Turpentine
Scientific name:
Syncarpia glomulifer
Other Common Names:
spirit of turpentine
oil of turpentine
wood turpentine
gum turpentine
 |
 |
The word turpentine is formed (via French and Latin) from the Greek word terebinthine, the name of a species of tree, the terebinth tree, from whose sap the spirit was originally distilled.Turpentine is an organic solvent, and thus poses many of the same hazards as do other such substances. Its vapor can irritate the skin and eyes, damage the lungs and respiratory system, as well as the central nervous system when inhaled, and cause renal failure when ingested, among other things. It is extremely flammable. In early 19th Century America, turpentine was sometimes burned in lamps as a cheap alternative to whale oil. It was most commonly used for outdoor lighting, due to its strong odor.
Weight:
Density (average) 1050 kg/m3 – Green (GD); 950kg/m3 – Dry (ADD)
Uses:
Marine piling (the bark is often left on for some extra protection against Teredo borers but it is difficult to ensure long-term retention of the bark so the merit of the practice may be questionable), piles, sleepers, shipbuilding, wharf and bridge decking, bearings, flooring, domestic decking, panelling, building framework
General Characteristics:
Heartwood is reddish brownSapwood distinctly paler, Texture fine and even and Grain interlocked. Its general appearance is rather similar to that of the redder types of brush box. Sometimes it has discoloured dark brown heartwood, which has a lower resistance to impact forces but otherwise seems satisfactory.
Working Properties:
High silica content. Satisfactory for steam bending. Not easy to glue. The extractives produce dark brown stains on alkaline surfaces, such as concrete and fibre cement. Turpentine wood dulls tools rather easily due to its hardness and density. If you are nailing the wood, it may require pre-drilling holes to prevent splitting. Once worked, this product polishes to a very attractive high finish.
Drying and Shrinkage:
Slow in drying; This species requires time and care to dry properly. Tangential surfaces may check. Some collapse is common.
Durability:
Turpentine wood is durable and has a natural resistance to termites.
Random Posts
