Wood Processing: Sawing, Drying, and Finishing Techniques

Sawing and Drying

Performed in mills or sawmills, this process requires the following steps:

• Peeling: Removing bark to eliminate external and internal impurities.
• Parting: Cutting to the appropriate length and thickness.
• Drying: The final operation, which can be performed outdoors or under sheds to protect the wood from direct sunlight or rain.

Cutting Techniques for Timber

At the end of the milling process, each log is processed to obtain the maximum amount of marketable timber. Cutting techniques depend on:

• The characteristics of the trunk being used.
• The implementation of standard measures for various cuts.
• Customer needs and requirements.

Common cutting methods include: sawn into boards, barracks sawing, coastal sawing, and mesh sawing.

Surface Wood Finishing

Finishing is intended to protect wood from moisture and improve its aesthetic appearance. First, sand the wood surface in the direction of the fibers and remove dust with a fine brush. Common finishes include:

• Dyes: Used to modify the color while keeping the wood grain visible. Note: These provide no protection against moisture.
• Oil Finishes: Provide protection against water.
• Varnish: Protects against moisture.
• Paint: Protects against moisture and adds color to the surface.

Artificial and Prefabricated Wood

Veneer

Involves placing a thin sheet of hardwood (such as walnut, oak, ash, or mahogany) over common timber. Blades are used to cut the sheets without producing sawdust. Methods include:

• Parallel cuts: Part of a half-log.
• Quarter cuts: A quarter section of the trunk.
• Semicircular cuts: The trunk is softened and cut parallel to the outer semicircle.
• Rotating cuts: The entire softened trunk is rotated around its axis.

Plywood

To prevent warping caused by single-sided plating, plywood is used. It consists of three or more thin layers of wood glued together, with the fibers of adjacent sheets oriented perpendicular to each other to ensure uniform resistance.

Particle Board (Agglomerates)

Formed from wood chips bonded with phenol-formaldehyde resin. The process includes: debarking, crushing, drying the chips, mixing with resins, pressing, and finishing. It is commonly used for roof coverings and doors.

Fiberboard (Tablex)

Formed by subjecting wood pulp to high pressures.