Laminated Timber V Solid Timber:: Stiffness

[StringJunky]

Given the same dimensions and both being made from the same timber; which is stiffer? The laminated samples' layers are not so thin that the glue contributes to overall stiffness by soaking it up throughout the layers. Differing grain direction is allowed if it makes a difference.

 

This is with respect to guitar necks and their relative ability to resist bending under tension by the strings.

Edited March 15, 2012 by StringJunky

[random]

Given the same dimensions and both being made from the same timber; which is stiffer? The laminated samples' layers are not so thin that the glue contributes to overall stiffness by soaking it up throughout the layers. Differing grain direction is allowed if it makes a difference.

 

This is with respect to guitar necks and their relative ability to resist bending under tension by the strings.

 

 

The laminated sample will be stiffer and alternating grain direction makes a more stable lamination. Better able to resist "cupping and warping" I was a cabinet maker for 10 years. It is worth mentioning plywood is made with the grain of each layer alternating at right angles to it's previous layer and in older houses the subfloor boards were nailed at 45 degrees to the walls and the top layer was placed at 90 degrees to the walls to promote stiffness. Before plywood was invented.