NATURAL AND MANUFACTURED TIMBER

• What is the primary source of timber-based materials?

  Trees
• Why does Britain import most of its timber?

  Due to the needs of agriculture
• Where do softwoods mainly come from?

  Cool northern parts of Europe
• Where are hardwoods primarily grown?

  Central Europe, West Africa, Central and South America
• How long does it take for a pine tree to be commercially usable?

  Around 30 years
• What happens once a tree reaches maturity?

  It can be felled for timber
• What is involved in the mechanised process of felling a tree?

  Sophisticated logging machinery
• What is the purpose of the tractor's special adapter in logging?

  To cut, strip branches, and slice logs
• What is 'green' timber?

  Newly converted timber with high moisture
• Why is 'green' timber difficult to work with?

  It twists, warps, and splits easily
• What is the process of reducing moisture in timber called?

  Seasoning
• What are the two methods of seasoning timber?

  • Air seasoning: slow, cost-effective, takes about a year
  • Kiln seasoning: quick, higher cost, uses steam
• What defect occurs when timber is not seasoned correctly?

  Shrinkage
• What are splits in timber caused by?

  Uncontrolled drying out of timber
• What are shakes in timber?

  Cracks from uncontrolled drying
• What are knots in timber?

  Where a branch has grown from the trunk
• What can happen if timber is left unseasoned?

  It can be attacked by fungus
• What are the categories of natural timber?

  • Hardwoods
  • Softwoods
• What is Jelutong's property?

  Close grain and medium hardness
• What is Beech commonly used for?

  Furniture and children's toys
• What is Mahogany's characteristic?

  Strong and durable with a reddish color
• What is Oak commonly used for?

  Timber-framed buildings and high-quality furniture
• What is Balsa's property?

  Very lightweight and soft
• What is Western red cedar known for?

  Resistance to weathering and decay
• What is Scots pine's characteristic?

  Light yellow color and soft
• What is Parana pine known for?

  Distinctive open, straight grain
• What are the advantages of manufactured timber over natural timber?

  • Larger sheets available
  • Consistent properties
  • More stable
  • Utilizes lower-grade timber
  • Can be faced with veneer
  • Suited for CNC machining
• What is MDF made from?

  Fine fibres of wood and adhesive
• Why should dust from MDF be limited?

  It can cause respiratory issues
• What is a common use of MDF?

  Flat-pack furniture
• What is plywood made of?

  Several veneers glued together
• How is the grain arranged in plywood?

  Alternates direction in layers
• What is a key advantage of plywood?

  Its stiffness and strength
• What is chipboard made from?

  Large flakes or chips of timber
• Why is chipboard cheaper than MDF?

  It uses larger flakes of timber
• What is hardboard made from?

  Wood pulp compressed and heated
• What is deforestation?

  Cutting down trees without replanting
• What is a major effect of deforestation on wildlife?

  Fewer places for animals to live
• How does deforestation affect soil?

  Fertile soil is washed away
• What role do trees play in the environment?

  They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen