How Can You Source Genuine Mahogany and Correctly Identify Exotic Woods?
Guide to sourcing genuine mahogany, spotting fakes, and identifying exotic wood species by grain, weight, scent, and provenance.
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 Governs Pressure Treated Wood’s Performance in the Shop?
Examine material properties, chemical treatments, and dimensional stability factors of pressure-treated wood for practical use.
How Do You Actually Fix Heat Stains on Wood? A Materials Science Guide
Repair heat stains on wood table finishes: identify finish, assess damage, fix with steam/iron, sanding or recoat; color match.
Why Does Some Wood Murder Your Tool Edge? The Silica Science Explained.
Silica in wood, how it dulls tools, the physics of wear, respiratory risks, and dust safety with collection and PPE tips.
What Chemicals Are Released When You Burn Pressure-Treated Wood?
Health risks and chemical hazards when burning pressure-treated wood vs treated lumber: fumes, ash, exposure, toxins, disposal.
What’s the Real Difference Between Water-Resistant Type II and Waterproof Type III PVA Glue?
Cross-Linking PVA: water-resistant Type II/III glues for niche wood science, wood materials, and common wood questions.
What’s the Real Science Behind Cleaning and Protecting Teak Wood?
Guide to cleaning teak furniture and decking: methods, chemical agents, prep, maintenance routines, and care tips.
Why Does Your Glue Joint Creep? The Science of PVA Failure Under Load
Slip creep in PVA glues under constant load: causes, testing, and practical tips to prevent failure in wood materials and joints.
Is Mineral Oil a Permanent Wood Finish? The Chemical and Physical Limits for Cutting Boards
Permanent mineral oil for boards & butcher blocks: chemical/physical limits, durability, moisture, staining, safety.
Why Does Your Epoxy Get Hot and Set Too Fast? Managing Pot Life and Cure Time
Epoxy pot life vs cure time for woodwork: manage exotherm, temperature, moisture, mixing, and safe cure workflow.