Elements of woodwork

by Charles A. King

Spruce is used also for a cheap grade of clapboards, for flooring, ceiling, and laths, and also by paper pulp manufacturers in immense quantities. It is a fairly satisfactory wood for immersion, but if exposed to alternations of dryness and moisture, it decays rapidly.

(Y.) Sycamore, or buttonwood (dec.), is found in nearly all parts of the Mississippi valley and in the Eastern states. It is a moderately stiff and strong wood, coarse-grained, and quite difficult to smooth to a surface, as the grain seems to run in all directions at once. It has also a disagreeable habit of warping and twisting as it seasons, but if well seasoned and properly handled, it will give no more trouble than do other woods. It takes a good polish, and is a desirable wood for inside finish.

(Z.) Walnut, or black walnut (dec.), is found in all the Middle and Eastern states. It is heavy, firm, and strong, of a chocolate color, and takes a fine finish. It is well adapted to inside finish and to furniture work.

At one time nearly all the best work was done in this wood, but at present it is out of style, as oak and other woods are more in favor. Like other varieties of our best woods, this has been cut out, and is now too expensive to be considered as anything but a fancy wood.

White walnut is described under butternut.

Fig. 21.—Red Spruce and Balsam Fir Killed by Fire.

Suggestive Exercises

8. How are small lumbering operations conducted? Large operations? What is the favorite method of bringing logs to the mill? Why? Compare the circular and the band saw as to economy. Why is scientific forestry a necessity?

9. What are the usual thicknesses to which planks are sawed? How much thinner is dressed than sawed lumber? How are ½ boards usually sawed? How should a log be sawed to get the most out of it? To furnish dimension lumber? Describe the advantages and the methods of quarter-sawing. Compare plain and quarter-sawed lumber as to economy. Compare and give reasons for their different shrinking qualities. What are the different names by which quarter-sawed lumber is known?