Identifying Wood with Fluorescence

[kreisdorph]

Did you know that certain hardwoods fluoresce under a blacklight? You can read all about it on the Wood Database site: FLUORESCENCE: A SECRET WEAPON IN WOOD IDENTIFICATION

 

The other day, I cut a section off a log that had been cut down years ago. I knew it was black locust but it doesn't hurt to confirm. Sure enough, it glowed under the blacklight.

 

Then I was walking around the shop with the blacklight, testing various woods. I was somewhat surprised when this elm blank fluoresced. I thought it is red elm. The article I posted says Wych Elm fluoresces, but that is a European species. So I'm unsure what type of elm it is or if other elms fluoresce as well. Interesting, anyway.

 

 

[HandyDan]

I like that but I would probably have to get a woman to decipher the colors for me. 

[Grandpadave52]

Interesting. Thanks Kent.

[lew]

3 hours ago, HandyDan said:

I like that but I would probably have to get a woman to decipher the colors for me. 

[kmealy]

My wife's birthday is coming up and she asked for a small black light to use in her sewing/quilting.  No idea what or how it will be used.   I have a large florescent black light drop  light that I was supposed to use to look for urine stains on upholstery.  Normally, it was obvious and the customer knew where it was.

[DeVere]

Wow! I did not know this until now. Great information, thank you for sharing. @kreisdorph