Woodworking timber refers to the wood of trees that can or will be used specifically for creating items through woodworking. While the term 'timber' itself can broadly refer to living, standing trees or trees that have been cut down but not yet processed (meaning they have not yet been milled or cut into planks), woodworking timber is typically the material derived from this raw timber source, prepared for crafting.
Essentially, woodworking timber is the lumber – boards, planks, beams, or other cut pieces – that woodworkers use to build everything from furniture and cabinets to intricate decorative objects. It's the processed form of raw timber, selected for its suitability for milling, joining, shaping, and finishing into durable and aesthetically pleasing products.
Understanding Timber's Role in Woodworking
The journey from a standing tree to a finished woodworking project involves several steps, starting with the raw timber:
- Harvesting: Selecting and felling trees suitable for their wood quality.
- Milling: Processing the raw logs into usable sizes like planks, boards, and beams. This is where raw timber transforms into lumber ready for drying.
- Drying: Reducing the moisture content of the wood, crucial for stability and preventing warping or cracking in finished pieces.
- Preparation: Further processing, such as planing and cutting to specific dimensions, before the actual building begins.
Woodworking timber comes in countless varieties, each with unique characteristics affecting its workability, appearance, and suitability for different applications.
Key Aspects of Woodworking Timber
Selecting the right timber is vital for any woodworking project. Factors to consider include:
- Species: Different tree species (hardwoods like oak, maple, walnut; softwoods like pine, cedar, fir) offer varying hardness, grain patterns, colours, and durability.
- Grade: Lumber is graded based on quality, appearance, and structural soundness. Higher grades are typically used for fine woodworking where aesthetics are important.
- Moisture Content: Properly dried timber is essential for stable finished products. Kiln-dried wood is common for furniture making.
- Dimension & Cut: Timber is milled into standard dimensions, but specialized cuts (like quarter-sawn) can offer unique grain patterns and stability.
Choosing quality woodworking timber ensures projects are not only beautiful but also last for years.
