Theory 164/Timber drying/Threshold lens
Checking Needs a Gradient Threshold
The claim
Surface checking occurs above a threshold in the moisture gradient, so too-fast drying damages timber that slow drying preserves.
01Mechanism
The surface shrinks before the core; the gradient sets the tensile stress that cracks it.
02Prediction
Checking should track the gradient.
03Refutation
Checking tracking drying time would remove the gradient.