Most lumber defects adversely affect a board's appearance, strength, workability or ability to take a finish. Sometimes, however, irregularities or abnormalities can actually make a piece of wood more desirable, especially when they produce a popular, distinctive figure like bird's-eye or burl. Of course, intended use is the final arbiter; what maybe a blemish to one woodworker another board's selling point. Knots, for example, would be a significant defect in boards intended for a tabletop, but they are an essential feature of some types of paneling.
Lumber defects are either natural, man-made or the result of poor seasoning. All wood harbors natural defects that are caused by growing conditions or qualities of the species itself. The same type of defect may be present in different woods. Some imperfections are found in all species. Loose knots, for example, are caused simply by the way trees grow. They are the remnants of broken branches that have become encased by the growth of new wood. Other natural defects include gum in hardwoods, pitch in softwoods and reaction wood in all species. Natural forces such as fire, wind, fungi and insects can also cause defects in wood. A common defect of this sort is blue stain.
Several defects occur when wood is exposed to the air and allowed to dry. Because wood does not shrink uniformly in all dimensions, warping can result when the moisture content of lumber drops below a certain level. Some common seasoning defects are checks, bow, cup, twist, crook and split. Keep in mind that these defects can also occur in boards cut close to the pith of a log.
Although it is virtually impossible to buy wood that is completely defect-free, you can increase your chances of obtaining the best lumber for your needs by selecting your wood carefully. Another point to consider is that you can salvage some lumber with defects if you have access to the necessary tools and learn how to use them.
This author is an up and coming expert on crafts and DIY. You can download original TV stand plans and unique TV riser plan by going to woodworkingplans.tv; Or you can select from 14000 woodworking plans, make woodworking easier and more fun!
This entry was posted
on Friday, August 12th, 2011 at 6:36 pm and is filed under Woodworking.
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