Resumo. ABSTRACTThis paper discusses the influence of different test speeds and specimen sizes, free of defects, in determiningthe bending strength of three Brazilian woods. Its importance lies in the possibility of establishing methodsof characterization with smaller specimens and higher speeds, resulting in time saving and cost reduction intransport, without loss of quality and precision in results. Traditionally, tests with small variations of speedand specimen size have been little discussed, possibly due to the lack of interest in changing methodologieswhich are already established. The methodology used here involved the static bending with moisturecontent at 12%, five specimen sizes and three test speeds. The species characterized were: cumaru (Dipterixodorata), jequitibá (Allantoma lineata) and quaruba (Vochyisia guianensis). References on dimensions andspeeds were selected based on theComisión Panamericana de Normas Técnicas(COPANT 555/73). Thesestandards establish procedures for determining the physical and mechanical properties of wood species, free of defects, using small specimen sizes. The results showed a significant influence of specimen size andno influence of the velocities in the tests for determining the bending properties of the species featured.In conclusion, to maintain compatibility with the already published results, using this standard isnot recommended to change the specimen dimensions but the current test speed can be increased within thelimits studied.