Attic temp indicators

[John Kogel]

Back in the 50's, Douglas Fir 2X4's with pitch pockets were used to measure attic temperatures. This one was hot. :)

[Jerry Peck]

Douglas Fir 2X4's with pitch pockets

We always called that "kindling" and it was good for that. :D

[John Kogel]

We always called that "kindling" and it was good for that. :D
Timber cruisers carry a chunk of that in their vest pocket for fire starter. i've been trying all day to remember the term for it, is it a 'punk"? Or a "peck"? :)

[Jerry Peck]

Timber cruisers carry a chunk of that in their vest pocket for fire starter. i've been trying all day to remember the term for it, is it a 'punk"? Or a "peck"? :)

Not sure, but a "peck" is 1/4 of a bushel. :)

There was a bushel and a half in our family. :D

[John Kogel]

A large family, then.

The term is "noogy wood", just in case you ever go timber cruising, don't forget your survival kit. Noogy wood and a lighter. :)

[Bruce Ramsey]

Here in the south we use the term "Lighter wood" or "Fatwood".

We don't grow fir but we grow a lot of pine. Pine resin is the basis for turpentine. Old pine stumps occasionally become saturated with resin. Small splits will burn even when wet since the resin is burning not the wood. Pencil size will burn for more than 30 minutes.

[Eric Barker]

Timely topic as we head into summer.

[Ted Menelly]

Timely topic as we head into summer.


I do not see what the problem is. The charcoal will keep the air nice and fresh in the attic and when someone steps on the plywood they will just be adding a new roof top vent to get rid of the heat :p

[Mike Schulz]

We don't grow fir but we grow a lot of pine. Pine resin is the basis for turpentine. Old pine stumps occasionally become saturated with resin. Small splits will burn even when wet since the resin is burning not the wood. Pencil size will burn for more than 30 minutes.

That's how the name "tar Heel" came about. They use to drag the tree's down the street in the town of tar heel leaving that goo for you to walk in it.
At least that's what the old folks there tell me anyway.

[Bruce Ramsey]

I have heard the story that a NC regiment bitterly held a location during a particular civil war battle refusing to retreat. The Northern Agressors made some comments that they held the position as if they had tar on their heels sticking them in place.

Logging and the making of pine pitch to seal ships was a major industry in the Carolinas in the early years before the American Revolution. The term Tarheel could also be somehow linked to the pine pitch industry.

[Jerry Peck]

Take your pick:

1st North Carolina Cavalry - Origins of the term "Tarheel" (http://firstnccav.home.mindspring.com/tarheel.html)

Tar Heel: Definition from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/tar-heel)

Origin of the Tar Heels (http://www.outerbankschamber.com/relocation/history/tarheels.cfm)

Origin Of Name (http://www.ramfanatic.com/Misc/origin_of_name.htm)

And there are a lot more too.