Cup Pull Antique

It's inevitable: old wood is reduced

Toronto - The shrinkage is a factor taken into account in its wooden structure. In simple terms, the contraction is a contraction of wood as a result of moisture loss. When a freshly cut tree, has a high moisture content which is evident by its juicy character and extreme weight.

Assuming that the wood is dried to a point where it is stable before use (and not always a presumption of safety) should expect more problems?

The answer is yes. Wood can be brought to a point of relative stability, but the environment in which it is not stable. Invariably, the wood continue to lose moisture from years of being at home. What is most important is that wood will continue to change with the seasons. Wood will be won or lost according to moisture content of air humidity. Summer provides high humidity, while winter means low humidity and contraction. A piece of furniture purchased in a high humidity area such as London, England and led to a drier environment like New York or Toronto will often begin to crumble through contraction.

The degree of contraction varies with age of the piece (how much has already pre-shrunk), the type of wood, and how it was constructed. There is no mystery to some pieces falling apart.

The move to lower humidity (often the houses with central heating) leads to contraction. Stress to all lines of tail piece that makes the sometimes dissolved.

First rule of contraction is to reduce all wood across the grain. The second rule is that all wood will be reduced to some extent, having been used in furniture construction. The third rule is that all wood will continue to expand and contract with changes in humidity, no matter what I do with it (save shrink wrap in a strong plastic air!).

The last rule, to complicate things, is that the uneven absorption of moisture (a surface to absorb more of the surface of others) will lead to deformation. This last point is too often illustrated with tables. An artisan end of the upper surface of a table, for example, but rarely the bottom. The superior surface finish inhibits the absorption moisture (the main reason to use a finish) requiring greater absorption from the bottom. The result is a deformed top sheet. This effect is known as cupping. The understanding and observation of the contraction that is the basis for authentication of antique furniture. Without shrinkage, a piece simply can not be of age. A piece of exhibiting contraction might not be unique, but must be old. In some cases, a combination of well seasoned wood and a stable climate will result in a minimal shrinkage to a table and not division. But you will likely find that no more divided peaks.

Over the years I have found tables harvest in barns, abandoned houses, and old barns, I've always had problems with the contraction and division when the items are painted and moved a heated home or cottage. Pedestal Tables in databases are less likely to split because the way they are together allows more flexibility for movement wood.

There are numerous examples of contraction. On the desktop of an old schoolteacher Cross members shrinks and leaves a ridge of contraction where embedded in the post 1EG. With ladderback chairs the ribbon will shrink leaving a part of the shroud showing empty. In addition, the glue that holds the presidency together dry and crumble with temperature and humidity changes. Everyone has experienced a chair collapsing.

The important thing is the principal contraction simple contracts across the grain. The blanket box diving will not change because all sides are continuous and decreasing on it. After a hundred years or less each of them have been reduced to approximately the same width. The key to the contraction in this case is the bottom of the box. Given the lower panel fixed at various points that have been so cracked or pushed aside.

So the next time your newly purchased former are reduced in winter, do not blame to the bench - Check your heat!

About the Author

Peter Green, Founder of the antique school, Asheford Institute of Antiques, Internationally Syndicated Antique Columnist, Travel Writer and Owner of South Meadow Antiques. For more information of the antique school, click here Asheford Institute Of Antiques Institute Of Antiques.

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