On Fri, 07 May 2010 09:41:25 +0100, Bruce wrote:

Telegraph poles also have multiple longitudinal saw cuts around their
perimeter to enable the preservative to penetrate further.

Can't say I've ever noticed that, at least not above ground. Spiral
marks from them being turned yes but not saw cuts along the length. I
have a feeling such cuts would weaken the pole anyway.

Poles are vacuum treated, ie placed in a container, the air is pumped
out which draws air and some moisture out of the timber. Then the
treatment fluid is introduced followed by return to atmospheric
pressure. The air then pushes the treatment much further into the
timber if not all the way to the core. Unlike normal dipping or
exterior application which really only gets to the top few mm. I
can't see a real reason for requiring cuts.

--
Cheers
Dave.