2020-09-27

Hidden Pitch Pockets

A Hidden Pitch Pocket In Toy Truck Turns A Toy Into Kindling
A Hidden Pitch Pocket In Toy Truck Turns A Toy Into Kindling 

The Pitch Pocket Was Invisible Until The Cut Was Complete
The Pitch Pocket Was Invisible Until The Cut Was Complete

A Halloween Spider Ruined By Hidden Pitch Pockets
A Halloween Spider Ruined By Hidden Pitch Pockets
 

A pitch pocket is a defect in softwoods; it consists of an opening in the grain that contains pitch or resin. Also called a resin pocket. As long as it is buried deep in the wood, they are no big deal, but they are a problem when they are on or near the surface.

The spider and the toy truck pictured both had pitch pockets that were invisible until they were cut. I will not knowingly sell items with pitch pockets. These two are designer kindling.

This is one of the many reasons why I am slowly trying to move away from using softwoods. Especially pine construction lumber which seems to be the worst. Yes. it is cheap but the yield of useable wood is not good. I can lose up to 50% of a board to knots, checks, cracks, poor milling, and pitch pockets. Maybe another 10% is lost when the resulting pieces are not large enough to use for anything. When I add in the additional labor, and finishing issues it just doesn't seem worth it.

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