Captain Obvious...Statement of the Day

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GoodTurns

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If you microwave wood with the intention of melting off wax sealants, the wood still gets hot. Not warm, HOT! Did get rid of the wax....and my fingerprints....
 
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Not that I would attempt this theory, but:

From what I understand, a microwave essentially vibrates the water molecules in an object, and that friction between the molecules is what heats it up. So, with that said, would a piece of wood with a lower moisture content heat up slower? Hum?

Anyway, Jon, thanks for the heads up.
 
Sorry to hear you toasted your finger tips!

Just FYI, Nolan recommends boiling to remove the wax. And since boiling is also one of the methods of causing wood to dry faster you get a double bonus.

GK
 
BOILING is definitely the easiest way to remove wax from wood blanks. Been using Steven Russell's wood boiling method for onward of 3.5 years now and never had a moments worth of trouble.

Simply bring the water to a boil and put the wood in it and weigh it down so it STAYS under the hot water. Let the wax immediately melt and then skim off the wax - every last smidgen of it using a paper towel ... throw the paper towel away ... retrieve your wood blank ... place on a towel to dry "some" of the water off ... place the blank in a spot with air flow and remember to turn it once or twice to expose all the sides ... come back in a bit and get your blank and get to turning. :biggrin:

If you use the microwave to heat the waxed wood a fair amount of wax will be absorbed by the wood as it melts and as it cools down. You will actually remove a little of the wax, but not as much as you would by boiling your blanks for just a minute or two. It actually takes a few minutes to get the water to boil, and just a couple of seconds of time to melt the wax and let it float to the top of the water for removal.

Been there and done this 100's+ times ... Have fun! Oh, and to keep the peace in your home, DO NOT USE SWMBO POTS AND PANS FOR THIS AS SHE WILL REMOVE MORE THAN YOUR BODY BARK (i.e. skin) IF YOU DO! Please DAMHIKT! :eek:
 
Not that I would attempt this theory, but:

From what I understand, a microwave essentially vibrates the water molecules in an object, and that friction between the molecules is what heats it up. So, with that said, would a piece of wood with a lower moisture content heat up slower? Hum?

Anyway, Jon, thanks for the heads up.

Does the microwave cause friction, or rather speed up the particles through energy absorption, which then release excess energy in the form of heat...

I don't recall my high school physics very well, however...
 
007 ... they will be out to collect your "shoe" since you have forgotten ... :good:

Microwave excites the moisture molecules present in just about everything. The excited molecules run faster, and faster, and start to collide with other molecules thus causing friction withing the material.

Heat is the by product of all this energy and motion. This heat is also why popcorn goes pop in the microwave. It's just steams way of getting free.

If you want to experiment with microwaves, just heat up a cup or so of water in a reasonably sized container, put some salt in a spoon - not much though -heat the water to a boil and remove from the microwave. Holding your hand WAY up above the heated water, slowly pour the salt into the water. Be prepared for a violent reaction :eek:immediately:eek: as the salt is 'cracked' and the water explodes from the rapid release of energy.

If you want to ruin a perfectly good microwave and create a violent electrical storm in the oven, just put a small crumpled up piece of aluminum foil in the microwave, close the door, and turn on the timer. It won't take but a moment to flash and burn out the electronics of the microwave ... and the chance of a fire is really great too. Also, not removing ALL the foil from the top of a peanut butter jar does the same thing ... please DAMHIKT! :cool:

You do these "experiments" at your own risk and peril. I ain't gonna be there to stop you, so I ain't gonna be responsible for anything that happens either. Don't write, call, or e-mail. I just don't want to say I told you so! :eek:
 
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