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Clicking any heading in the main data area (at right) will scroll the page back to this top position. Use the following links to jump to the associated section in the main data. Comments Common Names Common Uses Countries of Distribution Drying Defects Ease of Drying Family Name Grain Heartwood Color Luster Natural Durability Numerical Data Polishing References Regions of Distribution Response to Hand Tools Sapwood Color Scientific Name Staining Steam Bending Strength Properties Texture Trade Name Tree Size Turning Scientific Name Atherosperma moschatum Trade Name Black sassafras Family Name Monimiaceae Common Names Black sassafras, Southern sassafras, Tasmanian sassafras, Victorian sassafras Regions of Distribution Oceania and S.E. Asia Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP] Australia Common Uses Brush backs & handles, Cabinetmaking, Carvings, Door, Flooring: industrial heavy traffic, Furniture, Handles: general, Moldings, Musical instruments, Paneling, Toys, Turnery Heartwood Color Brown White White to cream Pale brown Greenish to greyish Black Sapwood Color Brown White Grain Even Straight Figure Distinct (figure) Straight Distinct figure Texture Medium Fine Fine Luster Low Natural Durability Perishable Non durable Drying Defects Slight collapse and honeycomb Ease of Drying Easy Tree Size Tree height is 10-20 m Comments General finishing qualities are rated as satisfactory Response to Hand Tools Easy to machine Turning Easy to turn Steam Bending Very good Polishing Good results Staining Finish is generally good Strength Properties Density (dry weight) = 38-45 lbs/cu. ft. Density (dry weight) = 31-37 lbs/cu. ft. Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = medium Max. crushing strength = medium Hardness (side grain) = medium Bending strength (MOR) = medium Numerical Data Item Green Dry English Bending Strength 9310 14566 psi Density 37 lbs/ft3 Hardness 1658 lbs Maximum Crushing Strength 3916 6397 psi Shearing Strength 2205 psi Weight 36 28 lbs/ft3 Item Green Dry Metric Bending Strength 654 1024 kg/cm2 Density 592 kg/m3 Hardness 752 kg Maximum Crushing Strength 275 449 kg/cm2 Shearing Strength 155 kg/cm2 References Audas, J.W.,Native Trees of Australia,Whitcombe & Tombs PTY. Ltd Boas, I.H.,1947,The Commercial Timbers of Australia - Their Properties and Uses,Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Melbourne Bolza, E., Kloot, N.H.,1963,The Mechanical Properties of 174 Australian Timbers,C.S.I.R.O. Division of Forest Products Technological Paper,No.25 Francis, W.D.,1951,Australian Rain-forest Trees,Commonwealth of Australia - Forestry and Timber Bureau Thomas, A.J.,1955,Tasmanian Woods,Forestry Department Tasmania, Bulletin No.1