From Tree to Mast
The Drying Process
A
freshly cut tree is no use for mast-making unless the majority of its
moisture has been removed. Timber is known for its 'hygroscopic'
properties, which mean it will take in as well as give up moisture,
depending on the conditions in which it is being used. This only stops
when it is in balance with the relative humidity of its surroundings,
known as equilibrium moisture content. In theory a felled tree will dry
out eventually, but unfortunately, in most cases decay sets in before
it is fully dry. Moisture, therefore, needs to be removed as soon after
felling as possible and this is normally done by kiln drying or
stacking.
To help the drying process the log is taken to a mill where it is
selected and carefully cut into the required sizes. This makes the most
effective use of the timber and prepares it into usable sized boards,
for which we specify 3'' and 4'' thickness, 6'' and wider, and lengths
between 12' and 38'. At this stage we can also specify quarter sawn or
crown cut, or a mixture.
In recent years we have stayed away from kilning Sitka Spruce due to problems with over-drying or the too-rapid removal of the moisture leading to checking, case hardening or tension. Our preferred method is to select the timber carefully and stack it with spacers for at least 6 months in the shade but opened up to the elements. Although a time consuming and expensive way of using a material, the end result ensures the best possible prepared wood for use in our spars.
To help the drying process the log is taken to a mill where it is
selected and carefully cut into the required sizes. This makes the most
effective use of the timber and prepares it into usable sized boards,
for which we specify 3'' and 4'' thickness, 6'' and wider, and lengths
between 12' and 38'. At this stage we can also specify quarter sawn or
crown cut, or a mixture. In recent years we have stayed away from kilning Sitka Spruce due to problems with over-drying or the too-rapid removal of the moisture leading to checking, case hardening or tension. Our preferred method is to select the timber carefully and stack it with spacers for at least 6 months in the shade but opened up to the elements. Although a time consuming and expensive way of using a material, the end result ensures the best possible prepared wood for use in our spars.
