Is this white oak? I hope it is, as I paid top dollar for it!

Hello all, 

I am wondering if you can tell just by looking if this is white oak or red oak. 

I paid good money to have this shipped half-way across Canada, from a vendor I won't name (yet), because they had the best deal in white oak..

when a cut end is placed in water it didn't wick up, but I could suck water through the cells..! and I can blow bubbles through it easily (see picture). I have yet to try with alcohol.

I bought this material for my chines and chine caps,  and stem. I am over budget as-is, and can't afford to get new chine material really.. so if this is Red Oak I.e. if I was sold the wrong stuff, what should I do? Just epoxy everything?

is it possible this is just a more absorbent white oak? I've yet to call the vendor, I'm seeking advice first.. 

thanks in advance. 


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Permalink Reply by Kyle Hryniw on May 7, 2017 at 4:03pm

Here is a video of me testing the wood with alcohol... 

i do not think this is white oak... thoughts before I call the vendor and ask for my large amount of money back?

https://youtu.be/RBugQpuZ0oA

Permalink Reply by Bennett Yarbrough on May 8, 2017 at 7:30am

It looks like white oak, except for the tiny holes all throughout.  My guess is its newer wood from the outside of the tree based on its lighter color.  The wood further towards the center (older) is more honey colored

Permalink Reply by Bennett Yarbrough on May 8, 2017 at 7:32am

This is my white oak from here in Georgia

Permalink Reply by Bennett Yarbrough on May 8, 2017 at 10:10am

Had to look it up but it's the sapwood vs heartwood that is whats happening.  Apparently white oak has tylosis in the heartwood which plugs the "veins" of the wood that carry water and makes it water resistant.  The sapwood however doesn't as it is still alive at time of cutting and has to get water up to the leaves and whatnot.  A quick search of "sapwood vs heartwood white oak" is what got me here.  I don't know if that wood is necessarily trash though.  But maybe not great below the waterline

Permalink Reply by Kyle Hryniw on May 8, 2017 at 11:07am
Right on thanks. I'll check that out.

Good point, might be good for sheer rails.
Might also be good for cross-supporting my frames when I assemble them.. kind of pricy for that use though :(.

Sounds like the vendor is crediting me back for his piece anyway.. showed him the video and no questions asked!
Permalink Reply by Bennett Yarbrough on May 8, 2017 at 6:14pm
That's great! Sucks you had to loose the time but at least you have your money

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