There were a lot of comments saying that wood movement is blown out of proportion and you shouldn’t worry about it. That’s just as loaded of a statement as saying that wood will break if you capture a solid wood panel and don’t allow for seasonal expansion and contraction. I’m convinced the reason for the poplar bottom panel to not break on this tray is that it was created with quality lumber, free of defects, lumber that was properly air dried before use. That and it didn’t undergo a drastic change in climates such as going from the humid southeast USA to the dry southwest USA.
Yay for
double opt in
piston fit drawer bottom that goes “shhhhhhh”
Very interesting and informative! Thank you!
Only thing about watching it on your website is I don’t get to add my like to it. But I always enjoy getting the email that you’ve released another video. “To Jay’s website I go” . Have a great day Jay and thanks for the insight
Wood expansion is definitely not a myth, I have proof as you do. I do believe it has more to do with the quality of wood than anything else tho.
I’ve got more than one example of wood expansion and contraction in multiple projects I’ve built over the years, mostly panels and bread board ends. It’s real. I use all the tried and true techniques to allow for it. I’ve only had one relative complain about a breadboard end not lining up perfectly with the table edge. He’s never eaten at that table again. Cool news about the ham radio too Jay. My father was into that and used to send me messages over the MARS network when I was in the Army. Thanks for all the great content!
I was wondering if the bottom panel on the original was quartersawn. Quartersawn lumber expands less side to side and more across the thickness. That could explain what you are seeing.