EXPLORING wood science: SOLID Oak Tea Set

Introduction

During my time at Oregon State University, I took a course titled WSE 415 H, or "Honors Wood Science and Engineering". As a small class of nine students, we delved deep into the structure and behavior of different types of wood in a world-class renewable materials research facility. As a group, we studied the microscopic structure of wood at cellular level, and analyzed varying characteristics such as pore size, tylose (toxin) content, water absorption, and much more. The final assignment in the course was to organize into small teams and create a marketable product, either inspired by an existing one or completely unique, under the constraint of being constructed entirely of wood or a similar renewable material. 

Research & Development

My team decided to create a solid oak tea set, consisting of a serving board, two cups, two wooden coasters, and of course, a teapot. Our objective was to highlight the versatility of oakwood as a material, showcasing its ability to resist liquid seepage as well as its antimicrobial properties. We contacted a friend of our course instructor's, who was willing to donate substantial portions of a white oak tree that had been felled only days prior in the nearby McDonald-Dunn forest. The teacups and wooden teapot were turned on a lathe at the university woodshop, while we were able to use a CNC mill to complete the serving tray. 

The most problematic component in the kit was the wooden teapot; we found that our wall thickness (or rather lack thereof) compromised its ability to resist bulging when boiling water was poured inside. To mitigate this, we sourced a fully renewable wood-based 3D-printing filament produced using natural resin and discarded sawmill dust. We designed and printed what we referred to as a 'support sleeve', which housed the wooden portion of the teapot and prevented the bulging from occuring and causing permanent damage to the piece.

Outcome & Conclusion

The project was ultimately a success, earning our group a top grade in the class and showing how far the limits of wood can really be pushed with the proper understanding of its properties as a material. I took this course as a freshman, and this project piqued my interest in renewable materials and manufacturing processes, eventually leading to my decision to double major with a focus on Product Development. Doubling as a foray into alternative materials and an early yet formative experience in project management, this project and course stood out among the many others I completed during my time at OSU...so thank you for reading about it! The completed product is pictured below.