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Maker Challenge

Wood Detective

Sort wood samples by visible clues and testable properties.

All Maker Challenges
Sample A
look at grainSample B
compare weightBoth
check end grain
Label each real offcut first. These boxes show what to compare, not a species identification.

Look for: Which clues can you see and compare?

What you need

  • Labeled or unlabeled wood scraps
  • Scale
  • Magnifier
  • Pencil
  • Observation sheet

Try it

  1. Look at color, grain, and pores.
  2. Weigh equal-size samples if available.
  3. Try a gentle dent test.
  4. Compare guesses against a trusted wood reference.
Look closely

What changed?

Wood identity needs more than color; weight, grain, pores, and end-grain clues all matter.

Make it easier

Compare only pine and oak.

Try another way

Add end-grain photos and ask for a confidence level.