Coolibah (Burl)

COOLIBAH (Eucalyptus coolabah (E. microtheca and a number of less-common species are also considered coolibahs)

Common Names : Coolibah, coolabah

Distribution: East Australia

Color/Appearance : In pipe-making, there are two types of burl sections: ébauchon, and plateaux. Ebauchon burl blocks are usually rectangular in shape and cut from the center of the burl. They tend to have a more random grain pattern and are the least expensive. Plateaux burl blocks are cut from the outer edge of the burl, and are usually in a quarter-round shape which still includes the bark on the outside edge. They tend to have a more consistent grain pattern, and are more expensive than ébauchon burl blanks.

 Janka hardness : 3730 lbf

Density : 5.88 lb/lbf

Shrinkage: 1

Radial (thickness): 3.0%

Tangential (width): 6.0%,

Volumetric (total): 9.0%,

T/R Ratio (width to depth): 2.0

Allergies/toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Coolibah has been reported to cause skin irritation.

Controlled species : CITES : No, l’IUCN : No

Common uses : Tobacco pipes, knife handles, and other small specialty wood items.