by Professor Gene Wengert

Q.
What do you know of steaming beech for colour? I understand beech is difficult to dry at the best of times...I have heard of some kiln operators putting heavy sheets of steel and cement blocks on top just to try to keep it flat!

A.
Regarding the use of weights to keep lumber flat--they work, although we really need at least 50 pounds per square foot--up to 150 pounds to do a really good job. Avoid iron as it tends to create stains on the wood.

We usually steam only walnut and cherry. But beech has been steamed briefly to develop a pinkish color. Excessive steaming will result in strength loss and then excessive checking. Steaming is probably not acceptable for 8/4 because of this risk. Remember, always steam at 212 F and 100% RH; cooler doesn't work as well and if the RH is under 100% RH, you will get very rapid drying and some checking.

Professor Gene Wengert is Extension Specialist in Wood Processing at the Department of Forestry, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Click on Wood Doctor Archives to peruse past answers.

If you would like to obtain a copy of "The Wood Doctor's Rx", visit the Wood Education and Resource Center Web site for more information.

Have you reviewed the related Knowledge Base areas below?

KnowledgeBase: Wood Engineering: Wood Properties

KnowledgeBase: Knowledge Base



Would you like to add information to this article? ... Click Here

If you have a question regarding a Knowledge Base article, your best chance at uncovering an answer is to search the entire Knowledge Base for related articles or to post your question at the appropriate WOODWEB Forum. Before posting your message, be sure to review our Forum Guidelines.

Questions entered in the Knowledge Base Article comment form will not generate responses! A list of WOODWEB Forums can be found at WOODWEB's Site Map.

When you post your question at the Forum, be sure to include references to the Knowledge Base article that inspired your question. The more information you provide with your question, the better your chances are of receiving responses.

Return to beginning of article.

Refer a Friend || Read This Important Information || Site Map || Privacy Policy Letters, questions or comments? E-Mail us and let us know what you think. Be sure to review our Frequently Asked Questions page. Contact us to discuss advertising or to report problems with this site. To report a problem, send an e-mail to our Webmaster Copyright © 1996-2008 - WOODWEB ® Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without permission of the Editor. Review WOODWEB's Copyright Policy. The editors, writers, and staff at WOODWEB try to promote safe practices. What is safe for one woodworker under certain conditions may not be safe for others in different circumstances. Readers should undertake the use of materials and methods discussed at WOODWEB after considerate evaluation, and at their own risk. WOODWEB, Inc. RR4 Box 265A Montrose, PA 18801 Contact WOODWEB