A Misunderstood Wood
Page 48
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with excellent qualities
By a Timber Salesman
THERE is little doubt that if more were known of its properties and numerous uses pitch pine would be in far greater demand than it is to-day, especially for commercial-motor construction.
To most people the name of pine always creates an impression that the wood must be soft, mild and easily broken. Indeed, even woodworkers frequently ask for pine when what they really require is ordinary deal. On the contrary, pitch pine, although it officially comes under the heading of softwoods, is one of the strongest timbers and makes an excellent substitute for ash.
Known in America (where it grows) as southern states yellow pine, it is imported into this country in the form of sawn logs, deals and boards, and, in the timber trade, that shipped from the Texas region B30 is generally considered to be the best wood, being mild in nature, sound and fairly free from sap. That point is important to remember, because the wood varies greatly in quality, according to the district in which it is grown.
Features of Pitch Pine.
Pitch pine is of a reddish-white appearance and it is usually sound, clean, with a fine, smooth, even and straight grain. It contains an abundance of resinous matter, which gives it good durability and great resistance to water, thus making it an excellent timber for flooring in vehicles which carry wet merchartdize. Standing well the action of the atmosphere (indeed, it is almost immune from climatic changes), it is a splendid proposition for vehicles built with a view to export to foreign countries. Being a long-grained timber it possesses great strength and is extremely tough, although it works easily. Pitch pine in log form can be obtained in exceptionally long lengths, some of the logs measuring as much as 00 ft. long, in sizes up to 2 ft. by 2ft. Besides being stronger, more compact and more durable than any other American pine, it is fine-grained and is susceptible to a high polish, presenting a handsome appearance.
It is rather a heavy wood and that apparently is its only drawback, but the fact that it gives no trouble on the finished job, together with its many other advantages, amply compensates the user.
In fact, for any purpose that requires bearing strength and lasting properties at a comparatively low cost, there is no timber to approach pitch pine.