Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 10.3: (a) Different methods of dividing up timber; (b) qualities of panelling and planks.
particularly effective for dividing logs into panelling. Today the even more effi-
cient circular saw is usually used. For this method there has to be a rotational
force, usually produced by electricity from the national grid. Rotational energy
can also be produced directly by simple wind or water turbines. In this way the
loss of energy through the transferrence of electricity is eliminated, and energy
consumption can be halved. This source of energy is also free of pollution. Saw
mills create a lot of dust in the working environment. Dust from oak and beech
is carcinogenic.
There are different ways of sawing a log to produce planks: sawing through
and through, boxing the heart, true quarter cutting and quarter cutting. Boxing
the heart works well with the circular saw and is almost the only method used
today.
