Analysis of the machined surface of the wood clones of Toona ciliata M. Roemer var. australis

Abstract

The use and costs of solid wood products are directly linked to the quality of the feedstock. One example is the furniture market, the better the surface quality of the wood is, the greater its commercial value is. Knowing the behavior of wood during the machining process is an important parameter to characterize and give specific uses for each species. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the surface quality of wood from Toona ciliata M. Roemer var. australis clones, its potential uses after the machining process and to define, among the evaluated clones, the one with the best surface quality. Thus, thirty-five trees (7 clones x 5 repetitions) were selected from a plantation located in the southern region of Minas Gerais state, from which 1m long logs were removed (0.3 to 1.3 m from the base), and later unfolding on boards. Drying took place in the shade and outdoors, until equilibrium humidity was reached. The machining process (planer and thicknessing) of the boards took place at the forward speeds of 6 m.min^-1 and 30 m.min^-1. The evaluations of the surface quality took place visually, according to the ASTM D-1666 (2011) standard and by the surface roughness test. Among the seven clones studied, the number 1 presented higher surface quality in machining and, in general, with the increase in the forward speed, there was a reduction in surface quality.

Keywords:
Australian red cedar; Surface quality; Surface roughness