![IncrementBorer2](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d7/IncrementBorer2.JPG)
An increment borer is a specialized tool used to extract a section of wood tissue from a living
tree
In botany, a tree is a perennial plant with an elongated stem, or trunk, usually supporting branches and leaves. In some usages, the definition of a tree may be narrower, including only woody plants with secondary growth, plants that are ...
with relatively minor injury to the plant itself. The tool consists of a handle, an
auger bit and a small, half circular metal tray ( the core extractor) that fits into the auger bit; the last is usually manufactured from carbide steel. It is most often used by
forester
A forester is a person who practises forestry, the science, art, and profession of managing forests. Foresters engage in a broad range of activities including ecological restoration and management of protected areas. Foresters manage forests to ...
s,
researcher
Research is "creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge". It involves the collection, organization and analysis of evidence to increase understanding of a topic, characterized by a particular attentiveness t ...
s and
scientist
A scientist is a person who conducts scientific research to advance knowledge in an area of the natural sciences.
In classical antiquity, there was no real ancient analog of a modern scientist. Instead, philosophers engaged in the philosoph ...
s to determine the age of a tree. This science is also called
dendrochronology. The operation enables the user to count the rings in the core sample, to reveal the age of the tree being examined and its growth rate. After use the tool breaks down: auger bit and extractor fit within the handle, making it highly compact and easy to carry.
Use
![Pressler drill 5 beentree](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/34/Pressler_drill_5_beentree.jpg)
Effective use of an increment borer requires specialized training. Samples are taken at breast height or stump height of the tree trunk, depending on the user's objectives; during use the borer should be well lubricated, thus making it easier to use and preventing it from becoming stuck in the wood.
Maintenance
As with any other tools, increment borers should be properly maintained to keep them in good working condition; should be thoroughly cleaned after each use and dried before storing. Sharpening kits are available and should be used regularly, before such bits become dull.
Types
Increment borers come in different lengths and diameters and have different types of
threads. The most common diameters are the 4, 4.3, and 5.15 millimeter borers in the range of 3.8 millimeters to 12 millimeters,
and they are available with two or three threads. The two-threaded type is more appropriate for
hard wood
Hardwood is wood from dicot trees. These are usually found in broad-leaved temperate and tropical forests. In temperate and boreal latitudes they are mostly deciduous, but in tropics and subtropics mostly evergreen. Hardwood (which comes from ...
s, because it cuts at a slower rate, which applies more
torque
In physics and mechanics, torque is the rotational equivalent of linear force. It is also referred to as the moment of force (also abbreviated to moment). It represents the capability of a force to produce change in the rotational motion of th ...
. The three-threaded auger will penetrate the wood at a faster rate than the former.
References
External links
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Increment borer Virginia Tech
{{DEFAULTSORT:Increment Borer
Forest modelling
Dimensional instruments
Forestry tools