WOOD! Identifying and Using Hundreds of Woods Worldwide

by Eric Meier

Understanding Earth's most fascinating natural resource: books about wood usually come from one of two very opposite poles: there are either craft-oriented books filled mainly with pretty pictures, but with very weak or vague data, or there are thinly veiled scientific books, filled with an over-abundance of data: burying the uninitiated in microscope images and confusing terminology. This book hopes to selectively bring together the best of both worlds: written from a craftsperson's perspective, it also seeks to glean the wealth of scientific knowledge and bring it into practical reach for woodworkers everywhere. Over 350 woods covered. 100+ full-page profiles. 100+ half-page profiles for less-common woods. Guides for distinguishing lookalike woods. Detailed identification data and strength properties.

Genres: Woodwork, Reference

272 pages, Hardcover

Published October 10, 2015

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific compendium of woods from around the world tailored specifically for woodcraft. The encyclopedic work provides photos and details of hundreds of domestic and exoctic species of wood with technical data that is relevant for use in woodworking. The edition is not one of these eye-crossing scientific tomes nor a dreamy craft book but a practical resource for the determined craftsman.

The first 47 pages provide a general overview of lumber used in woodcraft and explains the technical framework used in the book. The remainder of the volume is dedicated to profiling specific woods with details of the wood's origin, technical specifications, mechanical properties, and practical applications—such as color/appearance, grain/texture, rot resistance, workability, toxicity, pricing/availability, sustainability, common use, and general comments.

This a reference that would be a treasure for any serious woodworker.

This is a self-published edition and copies of the first run are limited but with a second printing being considered. Check out the author's website at http://www.wood-database.com

[Novall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome reference work for informed homeowners, furniture and antique enthusiasts, museum visitors, and art collectors.

The presentation here encourages the reader to learn more about wood, woodworking, the care of wood products, and the sustainability of global wood/forest resources.

This valuable volume should be in all public libraries, as well as in technical schools' libraries and high school shop class reference book shelves.

This book needs to be translated into other languages to spread the professional insight and passion of the author for wood and the economics and sustainability of wood as a natural resource.

[Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most interesting things that I read about in this book, was about the rosewoods and the ebonies. There weren't any particular facts that jumped out at me, but looking at all the beautiful wood samples and objects made with those woods were so wonderful to look at. I enjoyed finding out how hard and dense they were, and the other properties that make these two types of wood so unique and sought after. It was sad to see that most of those woods are endangered and expensive. I was glad to see that lots of these woods maintain the awesome colors where most other extremely colorful woods fade to brown. There were also a good number of other woods that weren't ebonies or rosewoods that were very interesting to learn about.

WOOD! Identifying and Using Hundreds of Woods Worldwide, is very well written and is extremely informative. I not only enjoyed this book, I also learned a lot from it. Prior to reading this book I was already interested in different types of hardwoods and this book only served to strengthen my desire to learn more. Eric Meier is very informed and knowledgeable, as is obvious when looking at the website he made, of which this book is a condensed version of. He accomplished exactly what he meant to, namely make a hard copy version of his website to expand its reach and helpfulness. I don't hesitate in the slightest to give this book five stars.