
Robina pseudoacacia. Air and kiln dried.
All dimensions shown are in inches (diameter x thickness).
Maybe the most under-rated timber in the UK possibly because trees are rarely much good over here, so we bought some fine logs in from Germany.
The timber is as durable as oak, nearly as strong as ash but with the same striking grain.
The heartwood is greenish to brown, very similar to mulberry; sapwood is pale and minimal.
It turns much as ash does but can be worked to a finer finish and will take all finishes well, from oils to cellulose and spirit based sealers, one of my favourites.
Having a high tannic acid content, it is perfect for the vinegar iron trick and having a ring porous grain, takes liming wax and gilt cream for the ‘Black & Gold’ finish.
If you look at the vases on the front of the Sorby catalogue (or in the shop), the large one is False Acacia treated with vinegar iron and liming wax sometime around 1990. I must have been a kid at the time. Leave it. . .