Introduction: Hard Wood or Soft Wood?
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About: Perhaps I am the heretical harbinger of the New Archaic, perhaps I just like wood.
Use your fingernail to tell the difference between hard and soft wood. Hard woods are useful for making sturdy long-lasting constructions and produce more heat when burnt. Soft woods are light, easy to shape and are useful for making objects that float or fly. Is the wood your are using suitable for your project?
NOTE: This Instructable is to assist people who work with found wood, or are new users of wood. For the purposes of this Instructable taxonomic distinctions between hardwood and softwood will not be considered. These classical distinctions have little or no bearing on wood density and appropriate usage. I use the terms soft wood and hard wood to reference density; in contrast to hardwood and softwood which refer to traditional taxonomy.
NOTE: This Instructable is to assist people who work with found wood, or are new users of wood. For the purposes of this Instructable taxonomic distinctions between hardwood and softwood will not be considered. These classical distinctions have little or no bearing on wood density and appropriate usage. I use the terms soft wood and hard wood to reference density; in contrast to hardwood and softwood which refer to traditional taxonomy.
Step 1: Soft Wood
When you press your thumbnail against soft wood and pull it along the surface it leaves a scratch mark. The deeper the mark - the softer the wood.
NOTE: This Instructable is to assist people who work with found wood, or are new users of wood. For the purposes of this Instructable taxonomic distinctions between hardwood and softwood will not be considered. These classical distinctions have little or no bearing on wood density and appropriate usage. I use the terms soft wood and hard wood to reference density; in contrast to hardwood and softwood which refer to traditional taxonomy.
NOTE: This Instructable is to assist people who work with found wood, or are new users of wood. For the purposes of this Instructable taxonomic distinctions between hardwood and softwood will not be considered. These classical distinctions have little or no bearing on wood density and appropriate usage. I use the terms soft wood and hard wood to reference density; in contrast to hardwood and softwood which refer to traditional taxonomy.
Step 2: Hard Wood
When you press your nail against hard wood it will not leave a mark.
NOTE: This Instructable is to assist people who work with found wood, or are new users of wood. For the purposes of this Instructable taxonomic distinctions between hardwood and softwood will not be considered. These classical distinctions have little or no bearing on wood density and appropriate usage. I use the terms soft wood and hard wood to reference density; in contrast to hardwood and softwood which refer to traditional taxonomy.
NOTE: This Instructable is to assist people who work with found wood, or are new users of wood. For the purposes of this Instructable taxonomic distinctions between hardwood and softwood will not be considered. These classical distinctions have little or no bearing on wood density and appropriate usage. I use the terms soft wood and hard wood to reference density; in contrast to hardwood and softwood which refer to traditional taxonomy.
