Botanical name: Acacia cambergei

Distribution: Limited to the dry inland plains of New South Wales and Queensland. One of the many Acacia trees Gidgee is a small hardwood with a short twisted trunk making recovery of boards difficult.

Colour: Dark chocolate brown. The sapwood is a rich deep yellow and makes an interesting contrast.

The timber: The grain is variable. Mostly straight grained but some trees produce wood with a very wavy figure which is much sought after for turnery. Texture is very fine.

Mechanical properties: A very high density timber which will not yield to steam bending techniques. High strength and crush resistance. Suitable for both internal and external applications. Kiln dry density of 1200kgs/m³ (75lb/ft³).

Working properties: Due to Gidgee’s density and grain variations cutters need to be very sharp and the angle reduced to 15 degrees to avoid grain tear. Pre drilling is necessary before nailing or screwing to overcome resistance and splitting. Glues well and finishes to a very high polish. Boards are limited to lengths of a maximum of 1m (3ft).

Uses: High class furniture, cabinet work, turnery, flooring, musical instruments and small carving. Not available as a veneer.

Availability: Limited.