: I got a new lesson in wood expansion when I was unable to free the blade from
: my homemade wooden plane. I ended up breaking it... it was not a good
: month for planes. Anyway, I'm getting ready to make some hinged components
: out of wood and I'm wondering how much expansion/contraction I will get.
: The parts would be hardwood hinge pins encapsulated in epoxy. I think the
: epoxy will retard swelling or other wood movement. Correct? Should I go
: with brass or bronze pins instead?

: www.ChipSandresky.com

Wood expands most with changes in humidity. Almost none along the length of the grain, some radially, most (2x the radial) tangentially. The amount depends on the humidity and species. If you can completely seal the wood from moisture very little, but that is a big if for wood going on a boat. If you want some technical info look in "Understanding Wood" by Bruce Hoadley.