How does eucalyptus’s hardness compare to teak for detailed animal carvings?
When choosing wood for detailed animal carvings, hardness plays a crucial role in determining ease of carving and final durability. Eucalyptus, while moderately hard (Janka hardness around 1,100-1,300 lbf), is softer than teak (Janka hardness ~1,000-1,155 lbf for Burmese teak). However, teak's tight grain and natural oils make it more resistant to splitting, ideal for intricate details. Eucalyptus, with its interlocked grain, can be challenging for fine work but offers affordability. For delicate animal carvings, teak's stability often wins, though eucalyptus suits budget-friendly or larger projects where slight tear-out is acceptable. Both woods require sharp tools—teak for precision, eucalyptus for controlled grain management.
