In this article, we will explore the effectiveness of Minwax Wood Hardener in actually hardening wood. We will analyze the results of a test conducted by Shawn in his workshop, where he compared untreated wood with wood treated with Minwax Wood Hardener.
The Composition of Minwax Wood Hardener
Before diving into the test results, it is important to understand the composition of Minwax Wood Hardener. Shawn explains that it is a form of plastic dissolved in a solvent. After the solvent evaporates, a sticky, rubbery, glue-like substance is left behind, which is expected to provide structural reinforcement to the wood.
Analyzing the Test Results
Shawn conducted a test using a heavy piece of wood with a metal spike attached to one end. The spike was dropped onto both untreated wood and wood treated with Minwax Wood Hardener. The depth of the dent caused by the spike was measured and compared between the two types of wood.
Results with Pine Wood
In the case of pine wood, the wood treated with Minwax Wood Hardener showed a slightly shallower dent compared to untreated wood. The average depth of the dent in the untreated wood was just under 18 thousandths of an inch, while the treated wood had a slightly lesser dent of just under fourteen thousandths of an inch. Although the difference in dent depth was minimal, it indicated a 23.6% increase in hardness. However, Shawn mentions that this test may not be the most precise, and the increase in hardness may not be as significant as it seems.
Results with Balsa Wood
Interestingly, when balsa wood was treated with Minwax Wood Hardener, the test yielded unexpected results. The wood treated with the hardener was actually slightly softer than the dry untreated balsa wood. The average depth of the dent in the untreated balsa wood was 227 thousandths of an inch, whereas the treated wood had a deeper dent of just over 238 thousandths of an inch. This resulted in an average 4.93% decrease in hardness. Shawn acknowledges that this outcome with balsa wood was strange and requires further experimentation to understand the anomaly. It’s possible that the wood hardener reacts differently with various types of wood due to their complex cellular and molecular structures.
Considerations and Conclusions
Based on the test results, it can be concluded that Minwax Wood Hardener does have a slight hardening effect on pine wood, although it is not a significant increase in hardness. However, for structural reinforcement needs, Shawn suggests exploring alternative products such as epoxy or resin. The test results with balsa wood were unexpected and warrant further investigation. Overall, Shawn emphasizes the need for more experiments and continuous learning in woodworking.
In conclusion, while Minwax Wood Hardener may provide some level of structural reinforcement to certain types of wood, it is not a miracle product. It is important to consider the specific wood type and desired outcome before using wood hardeners.
