WOOD FOR THE JOB

For the project, beautiful thermo-treated flame birch was generously sponsored by Rare Woods SA. Head over to rarewoods.co.za to discover the wide range of wonderful wood species available.

FLAME BIRCH

(BETULA ALLEGHANIENSIS)

Also know as birch, American birch, birch maple, and yellow birch, flame birch is renowned for its remarkable figure. It’s particularly wonderful for creating book-matched veneers, for attractivelooking table tops.

The thermo process is a chemical-free modification technique whereby high heat is used to alter the wood’s cellular structure. It substantially improves the dimensional stability, creating unique lumber for a variety of applications. Thermally modified lumber has a beautiful chocolate-brown hue, that still showcases the wood’s natural grains.

The process involves gradually heating the wood up to high temperatures in special stainless-steel heat chambers under anoxic conditions. The heat removes the organic compounds, changing the wood’s physical and chemical make-up, and adding durability and value to the timber. It’s an ecologically friendly alternative to chemical treatment, and thermo-treated wood is excellent for use in both indoor and outdoor applications.

TOOL LIST

» Rip saw

» Crosscut saw

» Tenon saw or Japanese dozuki

» Bench chisels

» Jack plane

» Smoothing plane

» Block plane

» Router plane

» Drill press

» Countersink drill bit

» Set of brad point drill bits

» Rasps and files

» Try square

» Marking knife

» 600 mm steel ruler

» Flat-head screwdriver

» Birdcage awl

» Card scrapers

» Allen key (5 mm)

» Bench hooks

» Bar clamps

» Combination square

» Cabinet scrapers

» Mallet