Tree ID/Wood Characteristic Reference

Will Simpson

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Dec 17, 1997, 3:00:00 AM12/17/97

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Howdy ya'll

I am looking for a good reference resource on tree identification and the
characteristics of the woods used in wood turning. I have looked at Woods
of the World and come away with the feeling that it is somewhat less than
complete and lacks mush in the way of classical/cultural information on
many of the species it does cover. Now this may not be completely fair as
I've only spent about 20 min. with Woods of the World and some of that time
was spent trying to get the somewhat buggy user interface CD-ROM version to
function. What do you all use? I sometimes use the web but find volumes of
information on some woods and none on others. I'm looking for a book as
using the web or a computer based program is difficult to carry to a
customers house or to a craft show.

Thanks for the input.

Will Simpson
Kestrel Wood Turning Studio
Troy ID.

Fred Holder

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Dec 17, 1997, 3:00:00 AM12/17/97

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In article <01bd0b01$17510360$4c57...@mypc.tdsnet.com>, "Will says...

Hello Will,

I have a copy of "World Woods in Color". It has about 200 woods defined and
illustrated. The "Woods of the World" CD-Rom is pretty good, it has about 900
woods and more information on each than any other source that I've seen, but
like you say, Its hard to carry your computer to a customer's location or to a
craft show. Another good source of information on woods is the "International
Wood Collectors Society" they put out a monthly magazine with lot's of
information on wood collecting and one or more stories on particular woods in
each issue. Membership is $20.00 per year; contact: Bill & Myrtle Cockrell, 2300
W. Range Line Road, Greencastle, IN 46135-9574. Tel: (317) 653-6483. I've
belonged for several years and find the publication itself worth the $20.00 per
year. They even have a turning article from time to time.

Fred Holder
<http://www.skagit.com/woodturning>

Harris Barbier, Jr.

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Dec 19, 1997, 3:00:00 AM12/19/97

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Hello Will,

One of the nicest book I've found is titled "Fine Hardwoods Selectorama - A
Guide to the Selection and Use of the World's Most Popular Species." This
is a soft-cover book that sells for around $11dollars. I purchased my at a
local hardwood store in the Chicago area. The book is produced by the Fine
Hardwood Veneer Association and American Walnut Manufacturers Association.

What I like about this book is that nearly all hardwoods are listed, with
color pictures of most American hardwoods and many exotics. Woods are
listed by their common name, followed by their Latin name in parentheses.
Other common names, source (country or region of origin), wood color, grain
pattern, characteristics and uses are also included.

If you can't find this book locally, the address and telephone on the back
of my book is:
American Walnut Manufacturers Association
260 South First Street, Suite 2
Zionsville, IN 46077 USA
Tel. (317) 873-8780.

I hope they don't hate me for broadcasting this!

Good luck,

Harris Barbier
Chicago Woodturners

Keith Bohn

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Dec 19, 1997, 3:00:00 AM12/19/97

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Great post Harris. Now if I may chime in with:

http://www.erols.com/hpva/
http://www.millerpublishing.com/nw_hardwoods/glossary.html

Keith Bohn
Bohn & Bonn Design

Martin H. Eastburn

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Dec 19, 1997, 3:00:00 AM12/19/97

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http://www.windsorplywood.com/worldofwoods/
Is a bit restricted, but has a search - has many species.
Martin

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