An information center for tropical timber is proposed

A representative grouP of timber industry members, together with personnel of the College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse, New York, has met twice recentlY to work on establishment of a TroPical Timber Information Center at the College.

An Organizing Committee has named Henry Dessauer of Pan American Trade DeveloPment Corp. chairman. RePresentatives of 10 leading industrY members were also included on the Committee.

The second meeting sought waYs and means of insuring establishment of the center by solicitation of interested companies for a "Founder's Contribution."

The necessity for such an information center stems from the realization that no other entity will be able to provide this service bY reason of budgetary restrictions and lack of personnel, according to a spokesman.

Information regarding the center can be obtained by writing to:

Frank Frampton

American International Hardwood Co.

1351 Washington Blvd. Stamford, Ct. 06902

The Tropical Timber Information Center, as presentlY envisioned, would have the following five possible work areas.

(l) Identification of Tlopical

Woods: This would involve the identification of wood samples sent to the center. A report would be returned to the inquiring party containing the identification together with a brief description of the wood and its properties, if available.

(2) Species Evaluation: Upon request, the center will undertake the evaluation of species for possible commercial use. The following might be included in the program, 1) nomenclature, 2) availability, 3) seasoning, 4) physical properties, 5) machinability, 6) gluing, 7) sanding, 8) finishing, 9) general appearance, and 10) potential applications. TTIC will also periodically issue work sheets containing available information on characteristics and properties for new or little used species.

Story at a Glance

A group of hardwood industry men are currently working with the Gollege of Environmental Science and Forestry to estabtisn a Tropical Timber Information Center at the College.

(3) Tropical Timber Data Bank: Because there is no one source for information on all tropical timbers, the desirability of an extensive and ever expanding information file is obvious. To meet this need, it is proposed that a comprehensive program of information collection, from laboratories and industry all over the world concerned with tropical timbers, be initiated. Much of this information will need to be translated into English, and where numerical data are involved, calculations will be required to convert the information into a usable system and evaluated. This information will then be placed on file for instant retrieval.

(4) Wood Properties Research: Where reliable information is lacking, the center will conduct tests and provide technical data needed by users.

(5) Marketing Activities: The center could observe and collect information in the world timber markets, in particular statistics on timber prices, market trends, and timber trade channels.

To be effective, the center must engage in activities desired by the members. Understandably, conditions in the business world are never static and major changes occur quite frequently. With this thought in mind, the following activities may be considered: d. Promotion of Tropical Wood Species: Efforts could be made to obtain a greater use of the secondary tropical wood species. This work would be accomplished through the use of publications, traveling exhibits, etc.

Conferences and Seminars: Sponsor meetings for producers, importers, users, and consumers on topics of major importance.

Newsletter: A means of communication for keeping the members up-to-date on the activities and findings of the center. In addition, as information becomes available special reports will be prepared and distributed to the clientele.

Study Tours: The center could arrange and conduct overseas study tours for the purpose of analyzing foreign conditions and practices.

Door Protection

Bel-Air Door Co. has released " What .vou should know aboul the care and fni.shing of doors" by St. Regis Paper Co. (door div.) The free literature is a must for every door dealer and his customers.

Also available is Bel-Air's new "Wonderful World of Bel-Air Door" poster with its complete line of doors.

DG Shelter Products

A free new brochure illustratins sawmill and millwork plant loca-tions, products and services of the Nikkel Div., DG Shelter Products is available from their Sacramento, Ca., office.

Electronic Inventory Control

A free 8-p. brochure describing Inventron, the high-speed, automatic, electronic inventory control system that replaces manual inventory systems in warehousing, wholesaling, and retailing operations and keeps complete inventory information up to date and immediately available is offered by Video Systems Corp.

New Rack Catalog

A completely new rack catalog from Bernard Franklin Co. presents technical information and eaiy-to-use model numbers on 2 rack linesi4l Bulk Storage Rack and #2 Pallet Rack.

Plywood Cost Gutter Kit

Money saving construction systems are illustrated in a new cost cutter kit from the American Plywood Assn.

The free kit's l6 sheets detail workable ideas rangins from concrete forming to long spariro-of systems. They include preframed walls, acoustical floors, bonded roofs, 2.4.1 heavy timber roof decks, plywood in metal buildings, and clear spans up to 100'using economical and strong plywood.

The ready reference sheets outline efficient construction systems which can cut labor and material costs.

Cost cutters for residential construction systems are also available from the association. Ask for Form X499.

How To Save Energy

A 64-p. booklet, "Citizen Action Guide to Energy Conservation," is available from the Superintendent ol Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, for $1.75 (Stock No. 4000-00300).

Laser Leveling Device

A 6-p. pamphlet describing a new laser self-leveling device for use on construction work sites, is available from AGA Corp.,550 County Ave., Secaucus, N.J.

Lift Truck Specs

Standard features and specifications of the 2500-lb capacity ACP-25 pneumatic tire lift truck are described in a new spec. sheet from Allis-Chalmers.

New Hardboard Paneling

Full-color photography highlights the new. Highlander hardboard paneling product literature from Publishers Forest Products. Each of the five lines is shown.

Swimming Pool Finishing

A 6-p. brochure on the waterproofing and finishing of concrete, masonry or gunited swimming pools is from Standard Dry Wall Products.

Eye Protection

Power tool safety accessories for eve and hearing protection are described iri a new. flree illustrated folder.

Free Reader Service

For further informotion on oll New ?roducts ond New Lilerolure, write fhe *lerchant *lagozine, 573 So. Loke Ave., Posodeno, Co. 9l l0l. Pleose mention issue dote ond poge number so we cqn process your requesl foster! Thonks.

Garage Doors

A four-color brochure on the standard and deluxe model Door Valet automatic garage door operators is from Vemco Products.

Speaker Mounting

A new l2-p. brochure from TouchPlate Electro Systems describes the firm's line of speaker mounting comDonents.

Door, Window Standards

The California office of the Attorney General has a new report, " Building Security Standards." They state, "This will probably cause significant changes in the manufacture of doors and door frames and hardware." A similar report covers windows and patio doors. Write: The Attorney General, Dept of Justice, 555 Capitol Mall, Suite 550, Sacraniento, Ca.95814.

two timber sizers O large timbers & wide sizes our specialty O large matcher with profiles resawing, tence cutting tr trimming timbers: .square,'bevel o kiln and air drying, dry storage