Microscopes are neat

Published: 2024-09-29

I bought a microscope to further my ongoing hobby "research" in Tung Oil curing behavior (a topic I force people to suffer through in my book). I bought the cheapest one recommended by Microbehunter because I didn't imagine looking at small things would be all that interesting.

Looking at very small things turns out to be very interesting. I'm going to upgrade.

Wood pores in oak are giant chasms under a microscope

Tung oil looks absolutely wild as it polymerizes.

Thick layers of oil form little mountain ranges during the curing process

The speed of the cure also dramatically changes the final structure. This also seems to change its resistance to water.

Too much UV too soon causes the oil to fold into tight intertwined bundles. They look smooth under the microscope, but they're rough to the touch.

Here's a different sample allowed to cure at the normal rate.

Printed images are surprisingly fascinating

I had no idea that printing works kind of like RGB displays. If you zoom in enough, you find an array of "dots."

I keep the old PS1 FFVII case as a display piece on my book shelf. It was the game of my childhood. I don't think I'd have the patience to play it today, but it keeps a special place in my heart.

Here's two passports. Left is from 2024. Right is from 2010.

Printed ink on glossy paper:

Neat!