Question: "WHy might a manfuacturer expose wood to large amounts of water?"  Context: "The general effect of the water content upon the wood substance is to render it softer and more pliable. A similar effect of common observation is in the softening action of water on rawhide, paper, or cloth. Within certain limits, the greater the water content, the greater its softening effect."  Answer:
Answer:
render it softer and more pliable