In order to extend the access for Eastern species to overseas markets and to favour the use of these species in value added products, a better understanding of the lumber machining properties is essential. The objective of this study was to determine the planing, sanding, boring, mortising, shaping, turning and fastening characteristics for the following 14 Eastern Canadian and three overseas species: jack pine, red pine, Eastern white pine, black spruce, white spruce, balsam fir, tamarack, Eastern white cedar, Eastern hemlock, white birch, yellow birch, red maple, sugar maple, trembling aspen, Norway spruce, Scots pine and Japanese sugi. Based on ASTM standards D 1666-87 and D 1761-88 the machining and fastening properties among the 17 species were compared and commented on, with emphasis placed on particular defects of the species. The influence of specific gravity and number of growth rings per inch on the machining and fastening properties was determined by statistical analyses of the data.
Elements of a database on drilling, routing and shaping of particleboard and MDF samples representative for the Canadian industry have were produced. The quality of the surfaces after machining was evaluated subjectively (visually and by touch) and by tracing with a stylus. The density, moisture content, and density profiles of the samples were recorded. The results revealed significant differences in surface quality, both among the particleboard and the MDF samples. The panels were graded according to their performance. Some effects of the panel characteristics on the obtained surface quality were discussed in this report. The methods for surface quality evaluation were compared, and suggestions are made for improvement to the technical evaluation and for further research.