617 - Myrtle

Myrtle Pen Blank, Fine Grained Australian Timber

Myrtle is a timber of Tasmania’s cool, wet forests, also known as Myrtle Beech or Tasmanian Myrtle. It has long been valued by furniture makers and woodturners for its fine texture, easy working properties and the deep lustre it takes under polish.

These blanks show the lighter side of Myrtle, with soft pink and cream tones and gentle, flowing grain. Across the species, colour can range from pale pink through to rich red and reddish brown, sometimes with almost orange tones. The lighter timber has a quieter character, with subtle changes in colour and grain that become more apparent as the surface is sanded and finished.

The grain is mainly straight, though some pieces carry waves or fiddleback figure that catch the light. Figure varies between blanks, so expect natural differences rather than a heavily patterned surface on every piece.

Myrtle turns very well and works readily to a smooth surface. Its fine, even texture makes it a rewarding choice for pens and small turnings, where a polished finish brings out the timber’s colour and sheen. It drills cleanly and accepts most finishes well.

Features

• Fine grained Australian Myrtle with a smooth, even texture

• Pale pink and cream tones in the blanks shown

• Mainly straight grain, with gentle waves or figure in some pieces

• Turns very well and drills cleanly

• Develops a deep lustre when polished

• Accepts most finishes well

• Ideal for pens, small turnings and feature inlays

Specifications

• Approx. dimensions: 20mm x 20mm x 130mm

• Species: Myrtle (Nothofagus cunninghamii)

• Other common names: Myrtle Beech, Tasmanian Myrtle and Australian Cherry

• Approx. seasoned density: 700 kg/m³ at 12% moisture content

• Supplied as an unpolished timber blank

Note: As a natural timber, colour and figure vary from blank to blank. Some pieces have relatively straight, even grain, while others show gentle waves and tonal variation. Blanks are supplied unpolished; sanding and finishing bring out the colour and natural lustre.