Valuable Features in Pitch Pine
Page 57
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A Material that is an Efficient Substitute for Ash for Framework at Lower Cost By a Tirnberman
THE statement, which appeared in the 'issue of The Commercial Motor dated September 28, that "the Gloucester Railway and Wagon Co., Ltd., Gloucester, has recently stripped down a body, built of pitch pine, which has been in service for nearly seven yea:s and, upon examination, the framing was found to be sound throughout," is bound to have aroused considerable interest among owners arid builders of commercial-vehicle bodies generally, and will probably evoke many inquiries about this particular timber.
Whatever disadvantages are attributed to it—and often wrongly—it clearly proves that wood as a constructional material is still unsurpassed for reliability, which, of course, in the long run, makes for economy.
Of all the many pines, and there are about 50 different kinds, pitch pine, for constructional work, can claim to be the best, with its weaker brother, British Columbian pine, a good second. Although an excellent wood for many constructional purposes, British Columbian pine has not the resiliency or the bearing strength which pitch pine possesses, and which is so necessary for framework. Therefore, it is not to be recommended in that capacity for heavy vehicles. .
Mention of that .fact is made because comparatively few -timber merchants stock pitch pine in large quantities, and British Columbian pine is frequently offered to the unwary consumer as a substitute. For framework it is a substitute that is likely to give unsatisfactory results.
At a time when we are exhorted to buy Empire produce, it is not agreeable to have to laud the merits of a foreign wood, in preference to a British product, but few concerns can afford to allow patriotism to blind their eyes to profitable facts.
Pitch pine is an American wood and is known in that country as Southern States yellow pine. It must not be confused with the "yellow pine" sold in this country, which comes from Canada. Canadian yellow pine is a totally different wood and much more expensive.
Pitch pine comes to this country in the form of sawn logs, deals and boards. In log form it can be ob tained as long as 60 ft., in sizes ranging from 6 ins. by 6 ins, to 24 ins. by 24 ins., and that which is shipped from Pensacola is considered in the timber trade to be the best. Pensacola pitch pine should be ordered for . the highest-class work, as this wood varies greatly in quality, according to its place of growth.
The wood is reddish-white in appearance, usually sound, clean, straight and even-grained, with the sap wood distinctly marked, being of a yellowish-white colour. It contains an abundance of resinous matter, which, no doubt, accounts for its great resistance to water and its almost total immunity from atmospheric changes.
Pitch pine is one of the strongest softwoods known and is most durable. In addition to being an allround constructional timber, it will take a high polish and presents a handsome appearance when dressed.
For the framework of vehicle bodies there is, of course, no wood equal to ash, but pitch pine can claim to possess many of the qualities required in a material for this particular work, and is, undoubtedly, the best substitute at a lower cost. Its value is further enhanced, because, although a tough wood, it is easy to work and thus reduces the cost of manufacture.