Topic 4.2B: Timber

Question 1

Softwood

Answer 1

• wood from a coniferous tree
• 25 years for the tree to reach maturity
• low density, open grain, flexible, less strong in tension and compression
• lower cost than hardwood

Question 2

Hardwood

Answer 2

wood from a deciduous tree
typically Higher density and hardness
100 years to reach maturity
stronger tension and compression
less flexible

Question 3

Grain

Answer 3

influences the aesthetic and mechanical characteristics of the cut timber

Question 4

Engineered timber

Answer 4

made by gluing waste materials together to create new material

Question 5

Plywood

Answer 5

Furniture, CNC manufacture
thin: Strong compression, some elasticity (can be bent)
thick: strong in tension
dimensional stability (does not expand/contract with humidity)

Question 6

MDF

Answer 6

medium density fiberboard
* small fibers are pressed into a form using binders
* heavy and strong
* high density
* consistent (no knots/holes)
* can absorb moisture and swell/rot
* lower cost than plywood

Question 7

Fiberboard (chipboard)

Answer 7

• chips of wood, larger than the small fibers used in MDF
• notstrong in tension or compression
• lightweight compared to other woods
• cheapest of engineered timber

Question 8

OSB

Answer 8

oriented strand board
* larger chips of wood pressed and glued to make panels
* strong compared to most engineered timbers
* heavy and somewhat flexible
* one of the cheapest engineered woods

Question 9

Seasoning

Answer 9

the commercial drying of timber which reduces the moisture content in wood

Question 10

Finishing of timber

Answer 10

Various finished can be applied to alter the aesthetic qualities and provide protection from environmental factors.e.g. varnish, acrylic paint, teak oil