What Is the Process of Conversion for Timber?

process-conversion-timber Credit: ARBRE ÉVOLUTION/CC-BY-SA 2.0

Timber conversion is the process of turning a log into a pile of usable planks or boards. When sewing up the log, several things are considered, including the size of the tapper because this determines how the log is cut to get the most out of the resulting timber.

Other factors are the size of the planks that are needed, rot or cracks in the log and the roundness of the log. WoodsGood states that there are two main methods of conversion for timber. These include through and through, or plain, and the quarter, or rift sawn, methods. Even though the quarter sawn method is a little expensive, it is more decorative and less prone to distort. It also expands and contracts less than other timber sawn using other methods.

The plain method produces quarter sawn material that is close to the log’s center, creating a flame-shaped pattern. Even though timber converted using this method is prone to cupping, it is stronger when handled correctly. The Centre for Alternative Technology in Britain states that before the wood is converted, it must first be processed and seasoned. After the seasoning process is complete, the tree is cut into appropriate lengths and then seasoned.