Formaldehyde is a naturally-occurring, pungent, colorless, small organic compound. It is produced by natural metabolic processes in humans and animals alike, free-standing timber, natural decay and decomposition via combustion. Formaldehyde has received additional attention recently as the World Health Organization (WHO) has reclassified this material as a carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer). That reclassification … Read more
The large size of plywood sheets (8’ x 4’ US; 125 x 250 cm metric) is ideal for rapidly constructing homes and completing home improvement projects. However, those large sheets also come with a few problems, most notably in how to handle them effectively. The combination of their large, awkward size and weight, with a … Read more
Woodworkers and home Do-it-Yourselfers (DIY-ers) often took up woodworking as a hobby because of a deep appreciation for the craft and sometimes, for the love of the wood itself. That reverence for the wood makes woodworkers conscious of recycling of the wood they use. While offcuts (> 4” or 10 cm) can often find uses … Read more
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is a plywood product which is commonly used as a substitute for plywood and particleboard, for new construction, home-improvement projects and furniture building. Its low cost, smooth finish and overall strength make it a popular material to use. Building code allows for the use of MDF as a replacement for plywood … Read more
Plywood is used for making many different things, from furniture to homes. In many cases, the plywood is not left exposed but used as a substrate, providing structural strength and a flat surface to adhere to the finish materials. But how well those materials adhere to the plywood may not be as good as we … Read more