SIFAT PEMESINAN BEBERAPA JENIS KAYU ASAL JAMBI

Five wood species originated from Jambi were observed for their machining properties in this study. Sawing characteristics (feed speed and surface smoothness) of each species were observed to determine its cuning-ability. Sawn timbers were then cut to sample boards and air-seasoned to appraximately 17% moisture content prior to farther machining processes. The examined machining properties include planing, shaping, boring, turning and sanding. Examinalions were undergone according lo the modified ASTM D-1666 as firstly described in the Forest Products Research lnstitute Report No. 160 (1982). Results ftom this study showed that most of the species could be sawn at mediwn feed speed with a variation in cutting surface quality, ranging from fair lo rough. One species, i.e., rengas pantai (Ghaa renghas) is fairly difficult to saw for its irregular (Partt interlocked) grain orietuation and the abundant deposition of silica (crystals) in its fiber structures. Some species consislenly showed good quatilies in almost all machining tests, and likely produced excelleni surface quality when worked out using sharp cutting tools and controlled machining condition. Wood samples tested in wet condition produced a fairly good planing and shaping quality for most wood species. In comparison, however, the air-dried samples significantly revealed a better machining quality. Based on the machinmg characteristics observed on the five wood specie from Jambi, it is recommendable to use rengas tembaga, sumpung and rengas manuk for woodworking purposes. Whereas, rengas pantai and kempas are more suitably intended for indoor structural uses