Do the sipo tennons run smaller than beech or just shrink more in dry weather

[Nhadams]

I have a new box of 10 x 50 sipo tendons.  Then seem undersized by 1mm compared to the beech.  Is this typical or should I return them?

 

[charley1968]

According to The Wood Database , sipo ought to exhibit less shrinkage than beech.

 

[Paul G]

undersized in which direction?

 

[Cheese]

I measured some 5 x 30 domino's, all dimensions were within .01/.03mm of each other for both sipo & beech.

 

[ear3]

Is it possible your beech tenons were just swollen?  I've experienced this before, and have occasionally had to run them back and forth a couple of times over sandpaper to get them in.

How do the sipo ones fit in the mortise?

 

[Mismarked]

I haven't measured, but my sipo dominos slide in and out much more easily when dry fitting.  They are nice and snug but not tight.  For the beech dominos, I usually need to use pliers, and sometimes pliers combined a few side taps from a mallet, to remove them. 
  I had thought it was because I was using the beech on 3/4 inch plywood versus using the sipo in solid wood.  But, I do live on the Gulf Coast, and it is usually very humid in my garage.  Maybe the beech swell more.
  Some have suggested putting dominos in the microwave before using to shrink them a little.  Haven't tried that.

 

[leakyroof]

I haven't measured, but my sipo dominos slide in and out much more easily when dry fitting.  They are nice and snug but not tight.  For the beech dominos, I usually need to use pliers, and sometimes pliers combined a few side taps from a mallet, to remove them. 
  I had thought it was because I was using the beech on 3/4 inch plywood versus using the sipo in solid wood.  But, I do live on the Gulf Coast, and it is usually very humid in my garage.  Maybe the beech swell more.
  Some have suggested putting dominos in the microwave before using to shrink them a little.  Haven't tried that.

  The swelling happens to Biscuits as well if not stored in tight plastic bags. I've seen that firsthand... [embarassed]

 

[Nhadams]

Thanks for all the responses.

Sounds like one person is experiencing the same - sipo fits looser around the circumference of the tendon.  My tennis are both stored in the same location in their plastic bags.  The sipo wiggles a bit from side to side and top to bottom while the beech is sung enough to have to pull with pliers (as one respondent also said).  I suppose the sipo will swell to fill up most if not all the space when I add pva glue.  Thanks again.

 

[PeterK]

Here in Louisiana I have to double bag my tenons or bag and put in "Tupperware" type tubs to reduce moisture related issues. It does not stop it but slows it down. Most plastic bags will allow moisture level changes over time. I have the most issues with the beech swelling as the sipo versions are more stable. If the price was lower I would only use the sipo.

 

[Trosey]

" If the price was lower I would only use the sipo."

AGREED

I have some sipo 14 x 750 mm on order.  The sipo in the 750 (30" lengths) are only about 50% higher that the beech in the same length instead of the 2 times price.  I have a couple of bags(unopened) of sipo 10 x 24 x 50---85qty. 

What part of Louisiana do you live? I get over to North Louisiana from time to time. I live in the Dallas area. I am willing to swap and convert to the sipo dominos, also.

thanks,

Trosey

 

[Gregor]

Someone mentioned to employ a microwave to make them fit with ease.