Glossary - R

A unit of timber where each layer is separated and spaced for drying with rack sticks.

A combination of guides and supports that help produce good stick alignment and square sides and ends in hand built racks.  

One of a series of roof support timbers that provide principal support for the roofing material. Rafters usually span parallel to the slope of the roof.

Roughened surface of timber and other wood products, particularly softwood, after planning, caused by the projection of early wood or latewood above the surface.  

A ribbon-like arrangement of cells, usually oriented in the radial direction.

A chamber into which wet steam (not more than 100°C) is injected for several hours to recondition timber.

A high temperature/high relative humidity (100%) treatment applied after drying to restore the shape of collapsed or distorted wood.

An instrument that continuously records dry- and wet-bulb temperatures of circulated air in a dryer or kiln and regulates these conditions by activating automatic heat and humidification systems.

In kiln or veneer drying, a process whereby dried material found to have a moisture content level higher than desired is returned to the dryer for additional drying.

In timber drying this term is used to indicate high resistance to moisture loss during drying.

The National Forest Policy Statement defines regrowth forest as native forest containing a substantial proportion of trees that are in the younger growth phase and are actively growing in height and diameter. Regrowth forests may contain scattered individuals or small occurrences of ecologically mature or old growth trees.

At a given temperature, this is the amount of moisture in air as a percentage of the maximum moisture carrying capacity of the air, i.e. the water vapour pressure as a percentage of the saturated water vapour pressure.

A class of amorphous vegetable substances secreted by certain plants or trees.

An adhesive made from resorcinol resin and formaldehyde.

The surface left exposed when one board is fastened over another; the edge of the upper set slightly back from the edge of the lower.

The persistent echoing of sound within an enclosure after the original source of the sound has stopped, due to repeated reflection between the enclosing surfaces

A striped figure produced by cutting timber that has an interlocked grain. Also called striped figure.

The highest part of the roof at the meeting of the upper ends of the common rafters.

A beam located at the highest part of the roof to support the upper ends of the common rafters

To cut along the grain.

Small timbers fixed to the top of rafters to which the roofing material is secured.

Markings in the form of a twisted rope.

Veneer cut in a lathe which rotates a log chucked in the centre against a knife. This method of peeling is used to produce decorative veneers and is a common method of manufacturing veneers for plywood.

Surface condition of wood as it leaves the saw, i.e. not dressed or final sawn.

Timber used in the original round form, such as in poles, posts or bridge beams.

To cut out by gouging.