Leichhardt Tree - Your thoughts please.

[gonetroppo]

I rescued this Leichhardt Tree ( Nauclea orientalis ) during the week. It was pushed over in February 2011 and was sitting on the bank of a creek so I grabbed it before the creek floods over the next couple of months in case it floats away on me. The main log is a bit over 900 at the widest point at the base by 5m long diameter midway is approx 600 guess that makes it about 1m3 milled. I can see there is some borer damage and also mould in the branch, the main log seems OK for the most part.

I have read that this is a good furniture timber and also used for turning, however I haven't seen any pics of any finished items so I'm wondering if anyone has used it or seen any pieces made from it?

I handcut a mini slab from a waste branch to see what it's like, close even grain as you can see. I'd be interested in some suggestions as to what to do with it.

(Before someone picks me up on it, the ends have now been painted and I'll spray it with boron as well.)

[rustynail]

Also known as cheesewood, as are some others. Highly suseptable to lyctus attack which tends to limit its furniture potential.

[Fallen Woodwork]

20230423_182425.jpg

Adding to the only thread relating to Nauclea Orientalis I could find here

I got around to turning some Leichardt Pine that I had in the shed for about 6 months.
The timber is very light, cuts very like butter, and rather porous more or less like balsa. Not particularly attractive but turns well.
When green and first cut its colour is a rather pleasing variation of light tones however within minutes starts turning to a curry powder yellow.

I applied some linseed oil to the outside of the bowl which made the colour even less appealing becoming quite dark and even black in places.
The above image is freshly sanded and wonder if anyone could suggest a finish to try to retain this colour or at least prevent overly dark tones.

Im guessing something like rustins plastic coat might be better than an oil and wax finish?

[Mobyturns]

Leichhardtt is a greasy wood, machines nicely, hand planes nicely, softish, and can be very patchy colour wise. The orange / yellow colour also fades over time to the browns as many timbers do.

Worth the effort if you can accommodate the potential gluing issues.

Crikey! Look how old the OP is!!!!

[Fallen Woodwork]

Hhaha - yes. I was surprised this thread hadnt been archived.
Gluing issues ? Does this wood split long after drying ?

Im not too worried as the few blanks I have were given to me but would like to know if there is any finishes at all that could possibly prevent further darkening.