Replies

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Dec 14, 2009 11:48pm | #1

   It's changes in relative humidity that affect the expansion/contraction of wood. Basically, temperature has no affect except when it come to adhesives and some finishes.

   Howie.........
1. 
   Searun | Dec 15, 2009 04:46am | #5

   Thanks, Howard.  I've monitored humidity in my house vs. garage and remarkably there isn't much change.  You bring up a good point however. 

2. 
   davcefai | Dec 14, 2009 11:58pm | #2

   For oak, across the grain, the expansion will be 0.000006" per inch per degree F.

   So going from 30 to 100 deg F the expansion will be 0.0006" per inch or 0.0072" per foot. Along the grain it's a little less. This will be a lot less than movements due to humidity changes.

   http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/linear-expansion-coefficients-d_95.html

   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coefficient_of_thermal_expansion

   for more info. The wikipedia article is rather more complicated than it needs to be.

1. 
   zolton | Dec 15, 2009 02:28am | #3

   So this is why my dang joints never fit right! Just breathing on them changes the dimension of the wood. I knew deep in my heart of hearts that there was some explanation. Thanks for providing it!ZoltonIf you see a possum running around in here, kill it. It's not a pet. - Jackie Moon

3. 
   joinerswork | Dec 15, 2009 04:03am | #4

   Sear,

   By far, your greatest problems will be in trying to glue cold wood.

   Ray