Is Osage Orange Too Hard to Handle? The Physics of America’s Toughest Timber
Osage Orange: physics of the hardest domestic timber - density, strength, stiffness, workability, and wood questions.
Wood Work Science
Helping woodworkers using science and experience
Wood Work Science
Helping woodworkers using science and experience
David Ernst
David is a veteran woodworker. He is now retired and stays in his cabin in Wisconsin which he built himself. David has 25+ years experience working in carpentry and wood shops. He has designed and built many small and large wood projects and knows the science behind wood selection like the back of his hand. He is an expert guide on any questions regarding wood material selection, wood restoration, wood working basics and other types of wood. While his expertise is in woodworking, his knowledge and first hand experience is far from 'woody'.
What Are the Most Effective Methods for Controlling Wood Dust in Your Workshop?
Practical methods for controlling and cleaning wood dust: dust collection, filtration, PPE, ventilation, housekeeping, safety.
Why is Spanish Cedar the Gold Standard for Humidor Wood?
Spanish Cedar: hygroscopicity, humidor applications, wood materials & properties, testing methods, and practical wood science Q&A.
How Do You Cut Wood Cleanly for Flawless Joinery?
Methods to cut wood with minimal tear-out and precise joinery: blade choice, grain direction, feed rate, setup, and prep tips.
MDF vs. Particle Board: What Do Resin Chemistry and Moisture Physics Mean for Your Project?
MDF vs. Particle Board:resin chemistry, moisture failure physics, selection tips, testing, durability, and wood-material options.
What Makes Baltic Birch Plywood So Strong and Void-Free?
Baltic Birch plywood: void-free core, high structural strength, stability, machining quality, fastener behavior, for woodworking.
How Does Pine Wood Burn? A Woodworker’s Guide to Ignition, Heat, and Char
Pine wood combustion: ignition temperature, heat release, and char formation for wood science and materials work.
What Really Determines How Poplar Wood Takes Paint? Density, Absorption, and Streaks Explained
Poplar wood profile: density, paint absorption, mineral streaks; guide for woodworkers and wood science questions on materials.
How Do You Remove Dried Glue from Wood Without Damaging the Surface?
Remove dried glue and adhesive from wood surfaces and flooring: safe methods, solvents, heat, scraping, and finish protection.
What’s in Wood Ash? A Woodworker’s Guide to Garden Fertilizer
Wood ash as fertilizer: chemical makeup, pH effects, horticultural uses, application tips, safety, and limitations.