Posted by Bruce Beveridge on March 25, 2000 at 15:30:36:
In Reply to: Pitch Pine for Bruce posted by David Snyder on March 24, 2000 at 23:54:35:
I'm always glad to see someone interject with an opinion, it spurs conversation.
As for the pitch pine:
The pitch pine notation is actually on the plans. In fact, I have many references to pitch pine in ship builders and fitters books from the beginning of the century on up, indicating the use of pitch pine. It was cheaper than teak and widely used on Naval Vessels and small craft. As I stated below, the pitch pine was either taken from the out most layers of the pine tree (that which contained more sap I would assume), or it was artificially impregnated, adding more pitch. This pitch was also used in the caulking of the deck planks, applied with a device much like that used to put frosting on a birthday cake (from how it looks in pictures). As for your NJ pitch pine trees, I'm not sure if those were the same as what are mentioned in the ship fitters books, or the plans. I'm sure there is something different, however, I do remember reading about the pine taken from the northern parts of the US for use in ships planks. I will get the reference and post it.
Bruce