How Do You Calculate Wood Movement: Radial vs. Tangential Shrinkage?
Calculate wood expansion: compare radial vs tangential shrinkage ratios, formulas, examples, and answers to 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’s the Difference Between Hardwood and Softwood, and How Does Janka Hardness Affect Woodworking?
Hardwood vs softwood contrast and how Janka hardness guides woodworking choices, with density, durability, and workability tips.
How Does Equilibrium Moisture Content Control Wood Movement in Your Shop?
EMC in wood: how moisture drives movement; what affects EMC (RH, temperature, species); measurement, calculation, management.
How Do Wood Stains Work Chemically? A Woodworker’s Guide to Selection and Application
Wood stain chemistry: dye vs pigment, penetration, bonding; selection, prep, application, drying; topcoat compatibility.
How Do You Remove Mold from Wood Without Damaging the Material?
Mold removal for wood furniture, cutting boards, floors; safe remediation steps, cleaning methods, and prevention tips.
Why Does Basswood Carve Like Butter? The Science of Grain and Force
Basswood grain structure and carving physics: tool interaction, grain direction, tear-out, density, moisture, practical tips.
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.
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.
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.
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.