sasaki@harvard.ARPA (Marty Sasaki) (10/30/85)
There is a myth that you can seal wood so that it won't move due to
changes in moisture content. Like all good myths, it makes intuitive
sense and is completely wrong.
Unless you use something like PEG, there will always be moisture
changes within wood. A wood finish can slow the moisture change enough
to prevent checks and cracks. They key to making furniture that can
survive humidity changes is to design it taking into account wood
movement.
The secret to Scandanavian furniture is that it is mad of veneered
plywood or fiberboard. Plywood and fiberboard don't change size when
humidity changes. Edge pieces attached to wide panels are done in a
way to allow for wood movement.
Hoadley's bood "Understanding Wood" talks all about this stuff. This
is a must read for all serious wood workers.
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Marty Sasaki net: sasaki@harvard.{arpa,uucp}
Havard University Science Center phone: 617-495-1270
One Oxford Street
Cambridge, MA 02138