Analysis of wooden cubes using database information to compile charts and graphs. The format used: Vertical column = cube dimensions in inches (i.e. - .75 = 3/4 inch) Horizontal row = dates when the information was input to the computer Inset in each graph is the relative humidity (%) for each point of data as taken when the cube was measured. Below the row of dates is the approximate time length between measurements. The schematic below depicts the types of information I measure for my database. The relationship between figure, rings, and type of cut is quite important in the production of a quality wooden cube.

Wood sample #1 (below): This was cut in 1995 in the Spring when humidity is usually quite high. I was in BC at the time and used a commercial source for my cubes. A few samples were measured and stored. Years later I realized the problem with changes in humidity on the cubes and programmed a database to keep track of the results.

Wood sample #5 (below): In May of 2002 I did my last major cutting and started to compare the cubes. Sample 1 from years past was harvested locally in BC and Sample 5 was from Quebec. Both are the same type - eastern yellow birch.

NOTES: Alberta (and most of central North America) had been under a drought during the later years of the above data collection. The stability of Cube sample #1 seems to bear that out. A very wet Spring and dry Summer in 2003 seems also to point to the wood as a sponge ;-)

One thing is very clear - humidity affects wooden puzzle pieces. And over time (whether sealed or simply bare wood), the pieces will change.