Abstract: A moisture containing wooden core substantially fully encapsulated within a formed in situ substantially non-wetting water impervious thermoplastic envelope. An effective amount of an insect and fungi controlling water soluble reagent is provided within the envelope. Preferably, there is sufficient moisture in the envelope so that the reagent will migrate substantially throughout the wooden core. The encapsulated workpiece is preferably formed by dipping or spraying the moist wood core with the aqueous reagent, and encapsulating the resultant treated core before it dries out so that the core remains moist throughout its expected life span. Green freshly harvested wood can be treated, coated, and used in direct competition with dried wood, without risk of its warping, splitting and checking during its expected useful life. Boron containing compounds are preferably used as the infection controlling reagents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for breaking corners of wood members prior to the plastic coating of the same is disclosed. In accordance with the method, the wood members such as fence rails and posts are forced between a system comprising four spring mounted rollers, each of which forcibly engages one corner of the wood member and crushes the same in the desired profile. The rollers may be shaped to provide a radius type profile or other desired profile, or alternatively, may be substantially flat to break the 90 degree corner into two more gentle 45 degree corners. In general, the amount of the crushing is controlled by the spring pressure forcing the rollers into the corners, and is relatively self controlling because of the increase in the width of the crushed area as the amount of crushing increases.