Australian Timber of Merit
Page 49
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Brief Descriptions of the Appearance and Properties of Tasmanian Oak Black Bean, Queensland Walnut, Hoop Pine and Queensland Kauri
ALTHOUGFI timber has been man's right-hand material ever since the world started, there are few people outside a timber yard who know much about wood. That is why one sees so many vehicles, owned by patriotic people, built entirely of foreign timber. The timber trade is strangely backward in advertising, with the result that the majority of the public goes on -thinking that all timber must come from either Russia or America. „
Therefore, it is all the more pleasing to see that certain British Government departments are at last specifying that only British timber shall be employed on the work required. Whatever we may think of the new United Empire party, surely there can be no one (especially in The motor industry) who objects to spending his money with a British concern rather than with the foreigner, provided that he obtains equal value.
At the present time, in the matter of timber, Australia claims that it can compete against all corners. But how many wood consumers know anything about Australian timber? Yet that country produces some of the finest wood in the world, and much of it could be used in motorbody construction.
The brief particulars given in this Ft rticie ;concerning a few prominent Australian timbers which could be used in place of foreign wood on commercial vehicles may enlighten those owners who are not acquainted with the subject.
TASMANIAN Ox: An alternative name for this is Tasmanian ash. When first cut it bears a general resemblance to English ash, but later tones down to a colour of certain grades of plain oak. A strong, elastic, resilient timber, of moderately close texture and straight grain, it works easily and well and is capable of a smooth finish and good polish. It is an excellent timber for bending purposes, and can be used for decorative work, flooring and fittings. It is a good substitute, for American ash in motorbody building.
BLACK BEAN: A beautifully figured timber, of a fine, dark walnut colour with lighter bands and dark streaks, and often mottled. The grain is straight and close in texture, but the timber works easily'
and polishes well. It requires rather careful seasoning. It is a handsome decorative wood for passenger vehicles, as it will stand hard wear, whilst it is most suitable for panelling.
QUEENSLAND WALNUT : A. moderately heavy timber of a handsome, pale chocolate-brown colour; somewhat open in the grain and often with a fine wavy figure. This wood seasons rapidly and gives no trouble inworking. It planes to a smooth surface and takes a good finish. This wood is useful for many purposes where a strong timber of good appearance is required, and is an excellent substitute for American
walnut. .
HOOP PINE : A white or • creamcoloured softwood, which is light in weight, clear, straight-grained and easily worked—an excellent timber for internal finish, flooring and general construction work.
QUEENSLAND KAITRI : A good lightbrown softwood, similar to NeW Zealand kauri, but. darker in colour. It is available • in good widths free from knots, some of the planks rising to 34 ins. wide. It has a good reputation for railway and cabinet work.
The above are but a few of the many useful timbers from Australia, which should be more largely used than they are to-day.