False Sandalwood

    (eremophila mitchellii)

Also known as: Budda

  A very common tree on the Central Highlands, it grows just about anywhere on any soil. Commonly around 3 to 4 metres high, the biggest specimens I've seen are about 8 metres high with trunks about 250mm diameter and they are usually piped (hollowed out by white ants). The timber has a high content of aromatic oil and was once harvested heavily for incense production. It was this timber that started my fascination with 'desert' timbers.

The scent lasts a very long time on the timber even after sealing and extends right to the bark, unlike our local Sandalwood (santalum lanceolatum) which only has the scent in the very heartwood which dries away comparatively quickly. I always find working with pleasantly scented timbers  makes shed-time even more enjoyable and this is one of the best.

The timber turns and machines very well although it is hard. It is very stable when sawn into board form. False Sandalwood sands well when dry but clogs the paper a lot if greenish. It finishes very nicely and will buff quite well without a finish due to it's oil content.

Double thumbs-up for this one!

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