density and dentability

[kimstevens]

Hi,

Do you guys know if there would be much difference between bodies of the same weight but different species in terms of being resistant to dents? For example, would a 4 pound alder body be about as durable as a 4 pound basswood body?

Thanks

 

[mikeyswood]

Alder and Basswood will be about the same resistance to dents at ~.4 sg. but there are more factors than gravity.

 

[pilotjones]

For a good indicator of dent susceptability, look up a wood's Janka hardness number. This test is done by pressing a steel ball into side grain of a sample at fixed load, and measuring the diameter of the resting impression. So, while it is effectively a hardness test, it is by its nature a dent test.

The density and hardness or dentability of different woods are strongly correlated, but not directly proportional.

 

[joeyl]

what they said above and also the choice of a hard finish would compensate for a dent prone wood.

 

[mikeyswood]

The only finish that is strong enough to prevent dents is plate steel.