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Dent Test

Which prepared wood sample marks more easily?

What you’re testing

Set up the comparison

Mark one test spot on each same-size sample. An adult uses the same rounded tool and gentle setup at every spot.

Sample Asame test spot
Sample Bsame test spot
Sample Csame test spot
Each dashed spot marks the same test location; no result is shown in advance.

What you need

  • Two or three identified, same-size prepared samples
  • One rounded dowel end
  • Pencil labels and a record card

What to do

  1. Label each sample and mark the same test location.
  2. Ask an adult to make each mark with the same rounded tool and setup.
  3. Look at the marks in the same light. Record what you can see.
  4. Compare the results without calling this a standard hardness rating.

What should you look for?

Compare the dents after the test. Which mark is easier to see?

How could this help your build?

You can notice one difference between materials before choosing wood for a project.