WOODWORKING QUIZ for 23 Oct 04

[Ralph Jones]

Good Evening Friends,
I don't know how it is in the land of OZ but, up here in the US. we have fences around the farm fields, and every once in a while you will see one with broken fence posts, right at ground level.

Since there was no sign of a wreck or anything like that why do you think the post was broken?

What type of wood should be used for fence posts?

Respectfully,

[echnidna]

The ground does not freeze here Ralph!!

[fxst]

western myall is the best and is termite resistant no poofy timbers here

[ozwinner]

In Oz there is just one BIG paddock and all the farmers train their animals never to stray too far from home, so that when he calls them, they can still hear him.


Al

[E. maculata]

Without getting too involved it boils down to the conditions (moisture level etc) for timber decay are at the premium right at G/L (Ground level). To further this issue this is also the critical area of stress as forces above and below ground ensure this becomes a sort of fulcrum for movement. In Pole, Pile and post use, determination of these factors this becomes an area of reference for the type & load carrying capacity in use.

[E. maculata]

Sorry forgot to answer the other bit of the Quizz.
Ralph any untreated posts I have used are always durability class 1(highest)like Grey Gum, Grey IBK, Mahogany, locally we used to call these the "royals" for the obvious reasons of strength and longevity...or class 2 (coastal Blackbutt, spotted Gum etc) if treated with some sort of decay deterent.

[Ralph Jones]

Good Evening Friends,
I am learning more and more about you folks in the land down under, as well as the weather conditions and many other things I have never even thought about. It is hard for me to comprehend some of the ways and methods but, I am learning, thanks to your help.

Bruce C. gave me the closest answer I was looking for, pertaining to ground moisture and the fact that the ground never freezes down your way. Up her we have to use wood that is decay resistant such as hemlock, black locust, hedge apple to name a few. All posts must be installed at least 32"
(812.8 mm) to avoid the effect of freezing and thawing.

Thank for your support.

Respectfully,