Replies

1. 
   Rich14 | Jun 16, 2006 07:54pm | #1

   It's usually fairly easy, but sometimes a particualr specimen will stump everyone. Don't try to rely on color. Red oak is not red and white oak in not white.

   The usual advice is: "Tyloses are more open on the red oak. Rays are a lot more prominent on the white oak."

   A discussion of the topic is here with images:

   http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Distinguishing_White_Oak_from_Red.html

   A Google search will give a lot more.

   Rich

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Jun 16, 2006 09:04pm | #2

   Here is a quick way to tell the difference between red oak and white oak.

   Put end of a board into a pail of water. Blow through the other end. If you see bubbles, it is red oak. If you don't see any bubbles, it's white oak.

   Howie.........
1. 
   philip | Jun 17, 2006 08:40am | #3

   You have stolen my thunder- I was about to tell him he could sip his Southern Comfort with the red oak, and store it in barrels made from the white!Philip Marcou

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Jun 18, 2006 06:38pm | #4

   >> You have stolen my thunder- I was about to tell him he could sip his Southern Comfort with the red oak, and store it in barrels made from the white!

   Sorry Phillip.  I used to use blowing cigarette smoke through the red oak but that has become socially unacceptable.  I like yours--may have to steal it.Howie.........