The present method has for its object a post and a method of constructing posts from radially sawn wedge sectors of timber The advantages of producing the construction include a low wastage log sawing process for post components a dedicated and repetative production process option of minimal or no drying requirements for use of wedge sectors high stability and low distortion factor to wedge sectors option of minimal machining requirements strong and easy construction the capability of production in long lengths capacity for steel reinforcing capacity for provision of services in hollow centres the ability to balance and negate the adverse effects of growth stresses in logs

The invention m its most basic embodiment involves the cutting of wedge sectors from a log and taking at least three ofthe wedge sectors and connecting them together to form a post column or structural member such that the wedge sectors that were closest to the outside ofthe tree are closest together in the structural member and so that the former apex ofthe radial faces which were closest together in the tree are furtherest apart in the structural member

Radial sector wedges are produced from a log by cutting the log from the outside to a chosen centre or through the chosen centre

Wedge sectors for the present invention are produced with an acute angle between the radial saw cut faces and would generally be sectors with 60° angles, 45° angles or less

Wedges for the present invention have two stated radial faces to which the growth πngs are basically at πght angles, a face or point that was closest to the apex ofthe sector and is referred to as the apex face and a face that was

closest to the outside ofthe tree, to which the growth πngs are basically tangential, and which is referred to as the tangential face

In the accompanying diagrams, Figure 1 shows the end sectors of a log radially divided by saw cuts ( 1 ) into eight sector wedges (2)

Figure 2 shows how growth stresses can cause wedge sectors (3) to spring away from dotted line (4), which represents the former axis of a log, along which a saw cut was made to release the wedges.

Figure 3 shows the end section ofthe sectors (5) with dotted line (6) representing the plane that divides the two radial faces ofthe wedge This plane generally does not distort when wedges are cut from a log A characterstic of radial saw wedges is their straightness when viewed along this plane

Figure 4 shows a wedge processed to produce a component for the structure with an apex face (7), a tangential face (8) and two radial faces (9), with typical growth πng orientation represented by lines (10)

Figure 5 shows four wedge sectors connected together in a preferred embodiment ofthe method with tangential faces (8) closest together, and apex faces (7) furtherest apart Figure 5 shows how wedges can be machined with flats and rebates to facilitate joining, with a square face and rebate shown by (11) and an angled rebate shown at (12)

Posts can be connected by bolts represented by dotted line (13), screws represented by dotted line (34), by gluing at the interface or by a combination ofthe above methods Dotted lines (13) and (14) also represent the plane that divide the angle formed by the two radial faces For the present invention the angles between the planes would generally be equal, i.e. 180° for 3 sector posts, 90° for 4 sector posts, 60° for 6 sector posts and the like These planes would generally meet at a central point in the middle ofthe post Post connected together in this manner will be inherently straight, with growth stresses and distortion factors balanced

Services, reinforcing or connecting facilities can be accommodated in hollow section (15)

Tapered posts can be made by applying tapering cuts and machining to wedge sectors. This can be useful for appearance and by using the natural taper of logs for the full use ofthe timber and natural strength.

In a further embodiment ofthe invention wedge sectors can be connected by a intermediate means, other than directly to each other. Figure 6 shows four sectors connected to a rectangular hollow section (RHS) of steel (16). Sectors can be used for enhancing appearance and strength characteristics of a steel section. Sectors can be connected by screwing, gluing or bolting or other mechanical means. Connection can be continual or at suitable spacings and allow for increasing distance between components to make a flared or tapered structure. Figure 7 shows how sectors can be cut or machined as at dotted line

(17) to make components for posts of a different thickness and with different characteristics. Section sectors such as indicated by (18) can be used to make smaller section members.

Figure 8 shows how wedges can be joined externally by connection means applied to radial faces or faces machined on or in to the radial faces. These could allow the joining of sectors without the cutting or machining of tangential faces. These could be metal, timber, plastic or other suitable means fixed by screwing, gluing- nailing or other mechanical means.

Posts or structures can be made from any number of sectors from wedges cut with acute angles between the radial faces.

Timber components may be machined to enhance the appearance or function ofthe product.