What Do You Know About Timber?

Untreated wood is separated from the ground and other sources of moisture to prevent decay and termite infestation. Moisture is a key factor that contributes to the growth of fungi and bacteria, which can cause wood to rot. By keeping the wood away from moisture, it reduces the chances of decay and also discourages termites from infesting the wood, as termites are attracted to moist environments. Therefore, separating untreated wood from moisture is essential for its preservation and longevity.

Wood can be treated with preservatives that improve its service life under severe conditions without altering its basic characteristics. Preservatives are substances that are applied to wood to protect it from decay, insect attack, and other forms of deterioration. These chemicals penetrate the wood and provide long-lasting protection, extending the lifespan of the wood in harsh environments. By preventing fungal growth and insect infestation, preservatives enhance the durability and performance of wood, making it suitable for various applications, including outdoor construction, furniture, and decking.

Wane refers to the presence of the original rounded surface in the finished product. This means that the surface of the product is not completely flat or even, but instead retains some of its original curved shape. This can be caused by improper machining or sanding techniques, resulting in an uneven or rough surface. Wane can affect the overall appearance and quality of the product, making it less desirable or functional.

Torn grain refers to a small depression on the finished surface that occurs when a tool falls during the woodworking process. This can happen when the tool slips or is dropped, causing damage to the surface and creating a torn or jagged appearance in the wood grain.

Diagonal grain refers to improper sawing of timber where the saw cuts are not parallel to the wood's natural grain direction. This results in a diagonal pattern in the wood, which weakens its structural integrity and reduces its quality. Diagonal grain can make the wood more prone to splitting, warping, and other defects, making it unsuitable for certain applications where strength and stability are important.

When the wood is oiled, it forms a protective layer on the surface which makes it difficult for fungi to penetrate and attack the timber. Oil acts as a barrier, preventing the fungi from accessing the nutrients in the wood and inhibiting their growth. Therefore, when the wood is oiled, it is less susceptible to fungal attacks compared to when it is not oiled.

Glulam beams are engineered timber because they are made by bonding together multiple layers of timber with adhesives. This process enhances the strength and stability of the beams, making them suitable for structural applications. Planed timber, logs, and split logs, on the other hand, are not considered engineered timber as they are typically in their natural state and have not undergone any additional processing or bonding.

Chipmark is the correct answer because when chips are placed on the finished surface of timber, they leave marks or signs. These marks or signs are referred to as chipmarks. This defect is indicated by the presence of these chipmarks on the timber's surface.

Logs are converted into timber through various processes such as splitting, hewing, and sawing. Splitting involves splitting the log into smaller pieces along its length, while hewing involves shaping the log by removing large chunks of wood with a sharp instrument. Sawing involves cutting the log into boards or planks using a saw. However, scrapping is not a common method for converting logs into timber. Scrapping typically refers to the act of removing material from a surface using a scraping tool, which is not a typical method for converting logs into timber.

A side-cut timber without any pith is known as "Free of heart center" because the heart center refers to the central core of the tree which contains the pith. When a timber is free of heart center, it means that it has been cut in a way that removes the central core, resulting in a piece of timber without any pith. This is desirable as it reduces the risk of splitting and warping in the timber and makes it more stable and durable.