Timbers that "Speak for Themselves"
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Woods of High Publicity Value Suitable for the Construction and Decoration of Commercial-vehicle Bodywork By a Timberman
ACCO1VIPANYING an interesting discourse on light body construction in the issue of The Commercial Motor dated June 5 was an illustration of a show van with a pair of framed glazed doors on each side for the display of goods—an excellent method of advertising.
Another sure way of attracting the public eye is to have the body built et choice woods, a fact which many shrewd owners are realizing.
The question of cost, of course, has to be considered, but a vehicle panelled with woods handsome in themselves without artificial decoration, is a perpetual advertisement for both owner and builder, which sooh pays for the little extra money spent.
Unrivalled Range of Woods.
Never have there been so many striking woods on the market, with regular supplies, as there are to-day. Augmented by Empire timbers, the number of elegant woods available would fill a catalogue. Here are some which can be used for both constructional and decorative purposes :— SATINWOOD is a bright yellow timber, often highly figured, which derives its name from its general similarity in aspect and lustre to satin.
It has a smooth, dense and even grain, like that of boxwood. Extremely hard, with a lustrous surface, it is an ideal wood for polishing in its natural colour.
NEW ZEALAND ICAURI PINE is probably the best soft-wood in the world. Pale-yellow to light-brown in colour, with a straight and even grain, it is of a fine, close, silky texture, and very durable. The wood is strong and elastic, highly resistant 1326 to water, and it can be obtained in exceptionally long lengths, with a Width up to 3 ft.
Remarkably free from knots and other defects, it is easily worked, does not splinter, and readily finishes to a smooth lustrous surface capable of a good polish. Occasionally it is figured and sometimes handsomely mottled. It is light in weight.
INDIAN SILVER GREYWOOD is unique, inasmuch as it is the only Wood known to be of a natural grey colour, and 'needs no staining or preparation of any kind. It has a handsome figure and a natural brown streak.
A firm, moderately hard wood, it works well with machine and hand tools, and will not twist or warp after fixing. It holds well in the joints and is practically unaffected by heat. Most attractive, it is an ideal " show " timber.
Guartrs is another Indian timber of the highest class. It is not only decorative, but has hard-wearing pro perties. A dull reddish-brown in colour, it has a fine firm texture, a close even grain and a pleasant odour. Although it is rather hard, it works easily, giving no trouble on the surface, and takes a good polish. Large supplies of this wood are available, BLACK BEAN. — An Australian wood of greatbeauty. Hitherto, there have been very limited supplies, but it is now easily obtainable. Handsomely figured, it has a dark walnut appearance, with light bands and vivid dark streaks, and often mottled. The grain is straight and close in texture, and the timber gives no trouble in working. However, be certain that it is thoroughly seasoned.
BRITISH COLUMBIAN PINE, a cheap and serviceable wood, is too often forgotten. There are two varieties, yellow and red. The yellow is .the better-class wood, and it is from this kind that the handsome plywood veneers are cut. Vividly figured, it will, when polished in its natural state, attract the eye of the dullest observer.
Fine Cheap Plywood.
In the form of plywood, it can be obtained in large sizes at a remarkably low cost, making excellent material for light bodywork. B.C. pine is a timber of great strength, is durable, comparatively light in weight, and large dimensions can be secured almost free from defects.
MaHoGaatv, of course, has always been a " display " timber. Although considered to be inferior to Spanish and Honduras wood, African mahogany is, in the writer's opinion, the most attractive. There is a tinge of red in this wood, which is absent in the other species ; also, its grain runs in opposite directions, giving an alternate light and dark effect.
Thesecharacteristics afford a more " showy " appearance when the wood is polished, and accentuate that richness familiar in all mahoganies. African mahogany can be obtained in much larger sizes than other brands, and it is considerably cheaper.