
A TREATISE ON THE NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL PROCESSES EMPLOYED IN THE PREPARATION OF LUMBER FOR MANUFACTURE, WITH DETAILED EXPLANATIONS OF ITS USES, CHARACTERISTICS AND PROPERTIES
PREFACE
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
This book offers a thorough walk through the science and craft of turning raw timber into stable, usable lumber. Beginning with a clear explanation of why moisture must be removed, it unpacks the physical behavior of different tree species when exposed to heat and air, showing how even a single board can respond uniquely. Readers will find a balanced mix of historical anecdotes—how early builders relied on wood for everything from shelters to ships—and modern insights that still shape today’s workshops.
The author presents detailed guidance on both traditional air‑drying and modern kiln‑drying, complete with practical tips for avoiding common faults such as warping or splitting. Helpful diagrams illustrate the equipment and procedures without endorsing any particular manufacturer, making the material useful for carpenters, mill operators, and anyone curious about wood’s hidden properties. By the end of the first sections, listeners will have a solid foundation for selecting, inspecting, and beginning to season timber with confidence.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (430K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Jason Isbell, Irma Spehar and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2008-09-12
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
b. 1870
Best known for practical early-20th-century books on wood technology and cooperage, this technical writer focused on how raw materials were prepared and used in industry. His surviving works are still noted for their detailed, hands-on approach.
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