Preventive medicine for furniture (Part 2)
Second installment of Wood Doctor’s original column covers symptoms, diagnoses,
and cures for furniture ailments.
By
Gene Wengert,
April 5, 2024 | 9:29 am CDT
Read More Articles by Gene Wengert
Copaia (Para para): Lightweight wood often used in imported products.
Copaia (Jacaranda copaia) is probably more commonly known in North American trade as para para. However, the common name of lumber from this tree varies from country to country. In fact, in Panama, it is sometimes called “elephant’s foot” as the corrugated trunk near the ground looks somewhat like an elephant’s foot.
By
Gene Wengert,
March 5, 2024 | 10:10 am CST
45 years of explaining wood technology
Gene Wengert, the Wood Doctor, has been answering readers questions since 1979; here’s his first column.
By
Gene Wengert,
March 5, 2024 | 9:37 am CST
California black oak: An oak with several differences
California black oak is in the red oak group of species, but its source of supply (it grows primarily in northern California and southwest Oregon), physical properties (it is weaker than most red oaks, but machines better), appearance (it is not as red, but has tighter grain), and processing differences (drying is difficult) merit a special discussion of this species.
By
Gene Wengert,
February 22, 2024 | 9:56 am CST
Solving crosscut, wood planing & other issues
The Wood Doctor answers questions on steamed walnut issues, joint failures at the chop saw, planing and other solid wood machining problems.
By
Gene Wengert,
February 9, 2024 | 12:22 pm CST
Why better grades might not mean better yield
Plus the Wood Doctor answers questions about how wood burns, and why spruce is preferred for musical instruments.
By
Gene Wengert,
February 8, 2024 | 11:03 am CST
Lodgepole pine: A strong and useful pine species
Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) grows in the Rocky Mountains, from Alaska to northern New Mexico, in the Black Hills and on the Pacific Coast. Poles of this tree were used by Native Americans for structural supports for teepees and lodges; hence the common name of lodgepole.
By
Gene Wengert,
February 8, 2024 | 10:53 am CST
What determines color and strength in wood?
The Wood Doctor also answers questions about bumps in wooden flooring, and how thick 4/4 lumber is supposed to be.
By
Gene Wengert,
February 8, 2024 | 10:46 am CST
What's the best winter humidity for a wood plant? Plus more FAQs
The Wood Doctor also answers questions about black locust. estimating lumber weight, and achieving white wood in drying.
By
Gene Wengert,
December 15, 2023 | 11:59 am CST
Santos mahogany: Strong, hard, resinous wood from South America
Although this wood is not related to Honduran (or true) mahogany or to African mahogany, it is a rich, dark mahogany colored wood and is actually a bit harder than Honduran mahogany.
By
Gene Wengert,
December 15, 2023 | 11:50 am CST
