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Study the Wood for Overseas Vehicles
Page 87
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By
A Timberman
Timbers that Will Give Satisfaction in Tropical Climates. The Fallacy of Cutting Cost in Bodywork ENTERPRISING operators who are contemplating the development of transport overseas should pay special attention to the wood that is to be used in the construction of the vehicles. That advice may seem superfluous, but it is surprising to note the number of vehicles showing serious defects in the bodywork after comparatively short service in another land.
Usually, this brief life is attributed to the climate, or poor workmanship. The cause may be neither, although, of course, vehicles going abroad, especially those destined for tropical countries, are nearly always subjected to extraordinary conditions, and, no doubt, in some cases, the climate is to blame.
However, more probably the fault lies not with the workmanship, but with the material. The body "falls to pieces" either because, through ignorance, the wrong woods have been used (when the bodybuilder is tied down to price he must, perforce, use inferior timber), or, through insufficient attention, unseasoned wood, although of the right kind and quality, have been put into the vehicle.
Ignorance is excusable, as a knowledge of how woods will react under different conditions cart be gained only by experience or study, and few bodybuilders study the wood which they use with anything like the diligence which engineers apply to metal.
Cheap Wood False Economy.
If is false economy to employ cheap timber. To use inferior wood for a vehicle for overseas shows a Jack of foresight which will most likely result in the owner being put to constant trouble and expense: Unseasoned. timber is the curse of all woodworkers and has often ruined first-class workmanship. The importance of using well-seasoned wood for motor bodies going abroad cannot be too greatly emphasized, as no material in the world is so susceptible to atmospheric changes as is under-dried timber.
It must reluctantly be admitted that imported seasemed timber is far easier to obtain than English seasoned material. Unless guaranteed dry when bought, English timber should always be kept in stock for at least some months before being used. "Why use English timber?" you may ask. Because some of our native woods are invaluable in the capacity of motorbody building.
English ash is still unsurpassed for the framing of all vehicle bodies— heavy ones especially—to be used in temperate climes. No other wood, nor any other material, has been found to combine the qualities of strength, toughness and resiliency, which make English ash renowned for the purpose of framework.
Value of English Oak.
However, although it will withstand greater bearing stress than oak, it is not so durable. Moreover, ash is prone to be attacked by insects, whereas oak, by reason of the acid which it .contains, is almost immune from pests. That point makes it important to remember that in all vehicles going to tropicalcountries, English oak, naturally seasoned, should be used, because American oak generally arrives with its natural juices dried out. On such vehicles English oak may be preferable to ash for framework.
Woodwork gives the most trouble in hot, humid climates, and it has been found that the usual standard timbers utilized for bodybuilding quickly deteriorate under tropical conditions. Here are a few woods which should give more satisfaction;
Teak is the premier wood for the tropics, but remember that there is only one teak, the botanical name of which is tectona grandis. It comes from Burma and has no blood relations. Timbers coming from other parts of the world, and described as
teak," take the name in vain.
Genuine teak is a most expensive wood, but it is almost everlasting in any climate; it requires no protective coating to defeat corrosion and no painting to prevent decay, even when exposed to highly exacting
weather conditions. It has been used for: hundreds of years by all nations in building warships.
When employed in connection with iron, teak will not only prevent rust, but, owing to its oily nature, will actually preserve the metal, and is one of the most reliable woods known. In the long ,run, moreover, it is an economical wood.
Next comes iroko, a much less expensive wood, sometimes described as "African teak," although it is no relation to teak. Iroko is an exceptionally strong timber and can be obtained in boards as wide as 4 ft. Dark brown in colour, moderately hard and highly durable, it is one of West Africa's most useful woods. Iroko resists insects and is highly resistant to humidity. It has been used with success (vide The Commercial Motor, dated November 20, 1936), in tropical countries.
Where elegance is required, as well as strength, use African mahogany. This also can be obtained in wide dimensions and -makes excellent sides. It has a vivid grain running in opposite directions, and when the wood is polished in its natural state, with gold lettering, it presents an extremely handsome appearance, making the vehicle attractive to the dullest observer. African mahogany withstands well the rigours of hot climates.
Obeche for Panelling.
For the panelling and interior fitting of light vehicles, use obeche, known in the timber trade as "Nigerian whitewood." This softwood has an extraordinarily fine surface for staining and polishing, and cart be made to represent a rich mahogany to perfection. It can be obtained up to 2 ft. in width.
Larch, an old-fashioned English softwood, is so often forgotten. Yet; like the old-fashioned rural carpenters who prefer it to deal, this wood, when put to the test, can hold its own against the finest timbers in the world for merit. As an all-weather wood it calls for special attention when considering bodies for overseas. No matter whether used under wet, dry, hot or cold conditions, this wood remains unaffected., Elm, for heavy wear, might be given a trial in •hot dry countries. This wood plays tricks in changing atmospheres, but gives no trouble and is durable under perpetually wet or dry conditions.