feltforsøk

Feltforsøk is a traditional Norwegian woodworking technique used to assess the quality and properties of wood, especially in relation to its potential for turning and carving. The term "feltforsøk" translates roughly to "felt test" in English, and it involves pressing or rubbing a piece of felt against the wood surface to evaluate its texture, smoothness, and material response.

This method has historical roots in Scandinavian craftsmanship, where it was used as a practical, tactile inspection to determine the usability of timber for fine woodworking or musical instrument making. The felt acts as a soft, pliable medium that can reveal variations in the wood's grain, density, and surface finish. If the felt slides smoothly without catching or tearing, the wood is generally considered suitable for detailed work. Conversely, irregularities or roughness may indicate flaws or unsuitable material.

Feltforsøk remains a valued technique among traditional woodworkers, luthiers, and conservators for quick, non-destructive evaluation of wood quality. It emphasizes tactile perception over visual examination, aligning with craftsmanship that relies heavily on sensory assessment. While modern tools and measurements have supplemented this process, feltforsøk continues to serve as an intuitive and valuable step in selecting and processing high-quality timber.

This technique exemplifies a broader practice within material sciences and craftsmanship that values direct, hands-on testing to gauge material properties, bridging practical knowledge with traditional methods passed through generations.