Main index

Section 1: Wood in a living tree

• Overview
• Photosynthesis
• Cross section
• Vascular system
• Growth processes
• Growth rings
• Softwoods and hardwoods
• Botanical names and common names

Section 2: Wood properties

• Overview
• Physical and mechanical properties
• Density
• Durability
• Strength
• Hardness and toughness
• Visual characteristics

Section 3: Wood-eating organisms

• Overview
• Fungi
• Borers
• Termites

Section 4: Seasoning of timber

• Overview
• Measuring moisture content
• The drying process
• Shrinkage and movement

Section 5: Structural timber grading

• Overview
• Purpose of stress grading
• Strength groups
• Structural grades and stress grades
• F grading with a machine
• MGP grading with a machine
• Visual overrides for MSG softwoods
• Visual stress grading techniques

Section 6: Maintaining product quality

• Overview
• Day to day responsibilities
• Standards in the workplace
• Quality costs
• Dealing with problems