Comparison of physical performance of some real and imitation kundekari members in Turkish wooden craft

This study intended to obtain and analyze the data concerning the radial stresses on the surface of some wood species that are used in "kundekari" construction after subjecting them to the accelerated agging tests. Specimens were constructed of three different wood species; namely Cedrus (Cedrus libani A.Rich) as a softwood, European walnut (juglans region L.) as a hardwood, and Obacbi (Troplochiton scleroxylon) as a tropical hardwood species. One type of "kundekari" composition was utilized with 8 panels of "real" and 8 panels of "imitation" types. Total of 16 panels were constructed and subjected to the accelerated aging in accordance with the Japanese Standard JIS A 9201. Dimensional changes on the radial surfaces of two different geometric blocks were measured from each panel and recorded. According to the results of tests, the least dimensional change on the radial surface was measured with ayous among the three wood species. However, in terms of surface deformation, walnut had the least checks and splits on the radial surface. Overall, the "real" kundekari specimens deformed less than the "imitition" specimens while the "real" kundekari specimens gave higher rate of dimensional change. Key words : wooden craft, kundekari, furniture