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The boards are glued and tightly clamped together. Once turned round, the seams are barely visible. The process of laminating makes the Mok Yan Jong extremely durable and resistant from cracking, which often occurs in modern dummies constructed from a single piece of wood. Laminating, when done correctly, creates a bond that is stronger than the wood itself. The result is a solid maple hardwood dummy body. They are not hollow. The arms and leg are laminated as well, with three boards.
I choose the process of laminating hard maple for the same reason that the makers of bowling pins, fine furniture, cutting boards, musical instruments, architecture, bridges, flooring, and many others, use this same process and wood. Long lasting durability, toughness, and strength. You just can't find a more durable wood, and laminating as opposed to shaping a single piece of wood, ensures that the finished product will be the highest quality available. A work of art that you can proudly pass down from generation to generation!
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Close up of laminated dummy body.
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The entire dummy is finished with a linseed and tung oil blend that offers UV protection. The oil penetrates into the wood to provide a durable surface. Much stronger and longer lasting than a surface treatment such as varnish or urethane which can crack and peal off over time. Finally, the wood is hand buffed with a wood finishing paste wax for even more protection. The finished piece is quite beautiful and very smooth to the touch.
Like any fine piece of wood furniture, wooden dummies should be kept indoors. If "someone" in the household won't allow it to be kept inside, then make sure it is located in a protected area and keep it covered when not in use.
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