Virola-the hardwood that is soft

T ECHNICALLY a hardwood alI though it is soft in texture. virola is the common name currently applied to the wood of two or more species of Dialyanthera.

Some confusion exists because of the botanical genus Virola. The two genera are closely related botanically and belong in the same family, the Myristicaceae. Occasionally authorities use the name virola for wood from Virola spp. For this reason. virola is said to be from Colombia and Ecuador where the local name for the wood is cuangare, while other sources extend its origin to northern South America, Brazil and Surinam. The general conception seems to be that virola comes from Columbia.

Some trade journals add to the confusion by calling the manufactured wood nutmeg.

A pale, pinkish-brown, the wood has a medium to high luster, a medium texture, and a generally straight srain. There is no demarcation beiween heartwood and sapwood. Because starch is abundant throughout, the wood may be classified as perishable or as a "sapwood species."

There is variation in weight according to species. Timber from Columbia is lighter than that from Brazil. One source compares it to obeche, approaching the weight of mahogany, while another lists it as weighing an average of about 25 lbs. per cubic foot. -

Brazilian timbers are characterized as finer textured and low in strength except for stiffness which is somewhat above averase for their density.

All sources agiee that drying ri:quires care to avoid excessive degradation. The wood shrinks appreciably and tends to distort, check, and split.

Lumber containing streaks of dark color referred to as "brownheart" has been found to have a moisture content up to SOVo in these zones even though the normal lumber was at a moisture content of about l1%o. Kiln dried material of this type will be appreciably above the moisture content desired for fabrication. When used for corestock it has been known to collapse and produce wavy surfaced panels. tj8lEii!#iil:L'1tl*l:i$ii!ltlii{$,.:*.$tlt"*i:1i::.f

Studies have shown that by using a mild schedule and assuming an artificially high kiln sample moisture content for pieces with wet zones, such stock can be kiln dried to a uniform moisture content without collapse, excessive shrinkage, or honeycomb.

Virola is subject to decay. Logs should be extracted from the forest quickly to prevent timber deterioration. Pinhole borers attack logs while powder post and furniture beetles attack the sapwood. Termite attack in South America also is a problem. The heartwood is non-durable and Permeable to preservatives.

When produced in clean condition and dried satisfactorily, the timber is suitable for general utility purposes such as lightweight joinery, mouldings, corestock, interior doors, interior paneling and plywood, drawer sides, and non-structural parts of furniture.

A light-weight, general purpose wood, low in strength, it saws easilY and works well, taking a smooth finish if cutters are kept sharp. It rotary peels to give a good veneer.

Panel Market Outlook

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RETIRED lumbermen, tired of being retired? Your old contacts can help both of us. Growing company looking for retired lumbermen to work commission sales in San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles, Ca.. areas on commercial and contiactor sales. Call Joe at (213) 222-7101.

LUMBER PRODUCTS

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EXPERIENCED KNIFE GRINDER, $25,000 per year start for right person plus bonus, profit sharing, pension, medical. Call Richard (213) 357-7840.

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EXPERIENCED pallet salesman. Ask for Woodworks, (213)

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LUMBER SALES

WELL ESTABLISHED indeoendent distributor of softwoods is seeking experienced traders and outside sales personnel. Must be aggressive and have a good following. Excellent salary and fringe benefits. Must have knowledge of retail type sales. Contact Jeff Barnes, Kelleher Lumber Co.. at (415) 4548861 or send resume to P.O. Box 3433, San Rafael, Ca. 94902. All responses will be kept in strictest confidence.

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WHOLESALE PLYWOOD SALESPERSON

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EXPERIENCED yard orderman and grader, hardwood and softwood. Established wholesale distribution vard. Excellent benefits. (213) 357-6021.

LOCAL SOUTHERN California wholesale lumber representative wanted. Liberal commission plus benefits. Springfield, Or., wholesaler with distribution yard and strong buying oflice. Territory will include Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties (Ca.). Call Tom Philips at (503) 726-1841 or write: P.O. Box767, Springfield, Or.,97477, for confidential interview.

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LUMBER TRADER/SALES MGR..

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INDUSTRIAL LUMBER salesman needed. Call or see W.M. Hunter. Hunter Woodworks, 1235 E. 223 St., Carson, Ca. 90745 (213) 775-2544.

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WELL-ESTABLISHED, growth-oriented, mill-based, Northern California lumber wholesaler seeks career-minded, experienced trader to sell contract mill production and develop inland species wholesale trade for midwest and eastern markets. Emphasis on pine. Salary/commission open, commensurate with experience. Call or write: Mr. Dubaldi 007) 822-1748, P.O. Box 4240, Arcata. Ca. 95521.

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LOCAL LUMBER hauling Southern California roller bed truck and trailers and bobtails radio dispatched. Rail car unloading at our spur in Long Beach. 3C Trucking (213) 422-0426.

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