Wood Movement #1: The Power Of Wood

Pretty amazing how wood can twist, warp, bend or otherwise do what we don’t expect it to.
Aside from the ‘expansion’ we plan into our projects that is.

-- Still learning everything

Who says you on’t have to take movement into consideration in what you make.

In some cases we believe that a tight corset will hold everything in. That may not be the case. We may have an explosion.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

Wow, impressive!

So, what did you do to remediate the problem?

-- Living on the square...

We just welded it to follow the angle and bolted it back on. It is required to have the bracket but as you can see the beam would probably not go anywhere except under seismic circumstances. I don’t cut corners though and I would put the bracket on even if not required.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

It’s amazing how much wood can always move,It’s something you always have to keep in mind when doing furniture.I’ve seen some great pieces basically blown apart because the maker did not adress wood movement.Thanks for the reminder and example.

-- Scott NM,http://www.shangrilawoodworks.com

Todd -

The strength of wood is truly amazing. Gives you a healthy respect for movement in timber no matter what the size of the project. Great craftsmanship!

-- http://foldingrule.blogspot.com

Thanks, Todd. Nothing beats a picture to say a thousand words, and put some drama behind the example.

and Karson – the other day you spoke to a potential turner and branch-wood user about “reaction wood”. I had never heard that term, but it certainly make sense and might keep someone out of hot water if thinking about planking out a big branch.

-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.

no offence but the bracket looks “home made”

Hopefully “Disney” didnt buy the same ones?

Thanks for the heads up!!

-- http://www.furnituremann.ca/

That is a stunning example of the power of the wood movement.

great post thanks for sharing it . happy holidays to you and yours

Awesome!!!!! WOod kIcKs A*s … For instance did you know that trees made out of wood, work as polarity magnetic gravitational devices, that help our universe stay intact. It’s true! I find metal and welding not unlike working with wood in some cases. It’s good to know how to weld and work with metals, when trying to solve problems with wood. OK , I JUST WOKE UP. ONLY ON FIEST COFFEE…. maybe the polarity theory has some flaws .

patrick.

-- PJM.`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸ ><((((º> ""BY HAMMER AND HAND ALL ARTS DO STAND""1785-1974 nyc Semper Fi, Patrick M

That is some real power!

I don’t mean to be critical, but a properly welded joint would not have done that.

It looks like it was only tacked at the corners.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

It had a bead the full length. We could have used Simpson brackets. They are hurricane/seismic anchors. They hold things together but they are thin. We wanted a bracket that looked structural and by all means should have been. The Simpson Strong Tie would have bent, but on our bracket the welds broke. We had it welded at a local metal fabrication shop.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

Wow. I am humbled every time when I think I have “tamed” it. Its also amazing what trees will do when they grow… roots which push up roads, buildings, etc.

-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com

Thats the power of Mother nature for you Todd.

-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python