Will wood scratch 904L steel?

[HogwldFLTR]

Consider driving a car at 80 mph into a large oak tree; what happens to steel?

[DaveDhc]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Consider driving a car at 80 mph into a large oak tree; what happens to steel?

F = ma

The force necessary to accelerate the car from 80 mph to zero in a second or two greatly exceeds the molecular forces which hold the metal atoms together. So even though the tree is made of cellulose, the force coming from the tree is tremendous. The discussion about scratching was about intermolecular forces. The bonding forces of the metal being greater than the molecules of cellulose. It is those relative bond strengths that determines what scratches what.

[Rolexdaydateii]

Any contact with wood will scratch. I was in the habit of carefully removing my datajust which is on strap and placing it carefully flat caseback down. I noticed this simple action marks began showing on the steel. After service and refinshing I plan to only place watch down on soft surfaces such as micrfiber cloths.

[DPE]

Will not scratch but rubbing against can dull an area.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by DaveDhc

F = ma

The force necessary to accelerate the car from 80 mph to zero in a second or two greatly exceeds the molecular forces which hold the metal atoms together. So even though the tree is made of cellulose, the force coming from the tree is tremendous. The discussion about scratching was about intermolecular forces. The bonding forces of the metal being greater than the molecules of cellulose. It is those relative bond strengths that determines what scratches what.

BS. The point is about hardness and regardless how hard SS vs wood, the damage can be done as you pointed out, it's all about force.

Originally Posted by DPE

Will not scratch but rubbing against can dull an area.

That dulling is due to micro scratches. Look in an SEM and they'll look like valleys.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by DaveDhc

So the point is that regardless of the molecular composition of the "wood", if your watch comes in contact with "wood" it can be scratched. It makes little difference whether or not it was molecules of cellulose or particles of granite. The original comment was that wooden desks seem to be able to "scratch the band". I believe that is a true statement. The statement that wood is too soft isn't consistent with my experience. If I rub my band on a wooden desk it will result in damage every time, regardless of whether or not the desk is clean.

I am not trying to be argumentative, just trying to clarify my own experiences.

Neither cellulose nor varnish are hard enough to scratch stainless. Deep clean your desktop and you'll solve your scratching problems. Boiled linseed oil and turpentine, with a little elbow grease work well. The furniture will look marvelous and your band will be safer.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by kilyung

you're being neurotic. It'll be fine. Nice case.

x2

[Tseg]

My 904L experience and PCLs says breathing on 904L causes scratches.

[airchitect]

Dunno but I wore my new blnr to work one time and after training a new guy in our conference room for a few hours the table and my laptop (alum) had the clasp looking like a spider web. Ah....hairlines....well at least it's broken in now....

[Foxglove]

yes it'll scratch it. I would line it with something soft.

[AK797]

Walnut is nice, I'd keep and use it, just be a bit careful.