Wood Encyclopedia

[Bgladd]

Hi all!

I'm new to the FOG, but I've been reading the forum frequently and have benefited greatly from it. To be frank, this forum is worth the price of admission.

I'm a seminary professor, so I do woodworking as a hobby. This past year I've drunk deeply from the Big Gulp of green kool-aide: I have a TS55, RAS115, CT22, the Carvex, RO 150, MFT/3, OF1010, and a Domino in the mail.

Since I'm fairly new to the woodworking scene, I'm looking for a book or a reference guide on basic wood species. I noticed a few on Amazon, but I don't know where to begin.

Thanks guys!

 

[tallgrass]

This may seem like odd advice but my local shop "Anderson plywood "sells a vaneer pack that must have over 100 vaneer sheets of every conceivable wood. The actual wood not pics. I put each sheet of vaneer in a plastic 8x10 sleeve and keepthem in a three ring folder. This is very handy, because it is like having a book of wood, not pictures but actual pages of wood.  
Just a thought.

 

[PaulMarcel]

+1 to grass's suggestion; I bought a variety veneer pack long ago and often pull it out to match up woods.

The veneer won't really tell you the traits of the wood, though.  For that, there are different books. Looking through amazon, Wood: Identification & Use looks good. I don't have it, but after looking, was tempted to buy a copy.  I have a book called "A Guide To Useful Woods of the World" and don't recommend it; the photos aren't well done, have color and detail issues. The text is likely just fine, but you'll find nearly the same text in any of these books as those details come from forestry service bulletins mostly.

Go to a wood dealer and look through the racks of wood; pick up one of each board. You'll notice the weight difference between, say, Maple and Basswood.  Ask if they have an offcut bin; usually there is one with oddball sized pieces that go for next to nothing. Might make you a deal if you want to take one of each species in the box since they know you'll be back.  Chisel it, hand saw it, hand plane it, wet it down with mineral spirits to see the finish color. Maybe apply some dyes and a clear topcoat.

I actually think the trip to the wood store is much more valuable than the book.

If you want to see a lot of wood porn, this site has user-submitted pics of nice boards and those of the site owners. Some details about the species, some details of where to get some exotics, and for some rare species, information to keep you from getting scammed.

 

[JPF Woodworking]

I would suggest looking at "Understanding Wood", by Bruce Hoadley. When it comes to all the science behind "wood" many consider this the bible (sorry, I couldn't resist)....

 

[Danny]

Here is all the wood information you will probably ever need:

www.wood-database.com

Danny

 

[tiralie]

Here is all the wood information you will probably ever need:
www.wood-database.com

I agree with Danny, the wood-database is a good reference.

Both of R. Bruce Hoadley's books are great, I really like them for reference. To address your current issue, Identifiying Wood may be the most applicable.

I also agree that a sample of veneers will also help. I like tallgrass's suggestion of putting them in a binder.

Lie-Neilson sells North American Wood Collection made up of
46 wood samples, plus a 40 page guide to 59 North American woods.
It is well organized, comes in a box and if the "boss" puts the samples back into the box after he takes them out you have a handy reference when someone  asks.

Tim

 

[Bgladd]

All,

Thanks so much for all these bits of advice. I didn't even think about checking out veneer sheets and those website. That Lie-Neilson set looks spectacular.

I really appreciate it!

Ben

 

[jacko9]

I would suggest looking at "Understanding Wood", by Bruce Hoadley. When it comes to all the science behind "wood" many consider this the bible (sorry, I couldn't resist)....

I agree with "Understanding Wood" by R. Bruce Hoadley and I was just about to post it when I noticed your post.

Jack

 

[leakyroof]

Plus 1 on all the suggested material. I'll add one book that I really like, The Real Wood Bible, by Nick Gibbs.  ISBN-13 : 978-1-55407-033-6
I turn to it often. Includes advice on buying and storing wood, Sustainability and Certifying Bodies, and some 100 species are covered . Spiral bound and small, this book doesn't take up much room.
Nice pictures of each species too.  [smile]

 

[jacko9]

Thanks, I'll have to check that out at my local library.

Jack