Jarrah work bench

[Some bloak]

I’ve been given some Jarrah railway sleepers-proper sleepers but clean and unused. I was thinking of building my first workbench in a couple of months using them-either a Roubo style or English, I’ve not decided yet.

I know it’s a known as a ‘proper’ hard wood but is it going to be super difficult to work with or just harder work compared to using a softwood?. I’d cut all the top planks, lengths and legs etc using a Hammer bandsaw/heavy duty tablesaw but would do all the mortise and tenon work and planing by hand.

Has anyone used Jarrah for this sort of project ? There’s plenty of furniture examples on the net that have used this wood so it can’t be difficult to work?

Many thanks for any ideas or opinions, particularly on its suitability for a workbench.

 

[Trevanion]

It's a hard wood but it's only really a little harder than oak. Shouldn't have too much trouble with it so long as your pieces are forgiving.

Should make for a really nice solid bench.

 

[JimB]

Derek's the expert on jarrah but I don't doubt that it's workable. It was fairly commonly used as flooring in the UK so can't be completely intractable. Should make a great looking bench that won't move easily unless you've weak flooring :wink:

 

[Orraloon]

As said Derek is well known for working in jarrah and I seem to recall his old bench was made of it. Hopefully he will be along to say something.
Here in Oz most guys use the local hardwoods for a bench and there are some quite a bit more hard and heavy than jarrah. Sharp tools and the right approach should get the job done. Getting good alignment with the top glue up will keep the final flattening to a minimum. Some help with the lifting will also be needed. Should be a very solid and good looking bench.
Regards
John

 

[Orraloon]

And for inspiration.
https://www.finewoodworking.com/readerp ... -workbench
Regards
John

 

[Some bloak]

Thanks guys-and much appreciate the 'inspiration' link John. When I lived in London, some years ago now, there was a furniture company that specialised and made everything in Jarrah. The wood itself with its huge pronounced grain and colour looked fantastic and I dare say the furniture itself became almost became secondary to this.