TIMBERS

It has been observed in the article NAVAL ARCHITECTURE, that one timber is composed of several pieces united into one frame, which is accordingly called a frame of timbers by the artificers. These different pieces are exhibited in plate I. PIECES of the HULL, by U, V, and W. The head of the lower piece, called the floor-timber, being cut square, to join the heel of the next above it. To support the connection of the timber in that place, another assemblage of pieces are formed, and joined in the same manner; so that when both the sets are fastened together, the joinings in one set will be nearly opposite to the middle of the pieces in the other. Hence it is evident, that the mould which serves for the lowest piece will conform to the under part of the corresponding piece above it : and thus the mould, appropriated to every division of a timber, will determine, or answer to the figure of the next adjoining thereto.

Plate I

The timbers, whose areas or planes are perpendicular to the keel, are called square timbers; and those which are placed obliquely on the keel, as at the extremities of a ship, are called cant-timbers. The foremost ot those pieces on the ship's bow, are called the knuckle-timbers; and the hindmost on the quarter are called the fashion-pieces.

Plates IV and X

The outlines, or bends of the principal timbers of the ship, are geometncally delineated in the plane of projection, plate I. as also in plate IV. fig. II. and plate X. fig. 2.: and their particular stations in the ship's length are represented in the horizontal plane, and that of the elevation, plate I. In order to give a more comprehensive idea of their figures and dimensions, we have exhibited a perspective view of the carcase of a small vessel, in plate XII. fig. 2. consisting only of the keel A, the stern-post B, the stem C, the transoms K L M, and the ribbands F F.

Plate XII

Reference Works