I'll admit, wood identification is not my strong suit. I'm "okay" at the more common species, especially if they're planed and jointed, and I can get a good look at the grain and color. But when I come to a species I don't use that often, or one that's still rough or weathered, I struggle. From experience and lots of reading over the years, I've come to believe that the best way to positively identify wood is through analysis of the end grain. Preferably w/ a magnifying glass and good light.
Having said that, here's my question: What reference source (e.g. book, web site, samples, etc.) do you use to help you in this process? I've looked at several books that provide some help, but haven't decided which one to purchase yet. Here are the two I'm leaning toward: The Woodbook, and Identifying Wood by Bruce Hoadley. If you have/use either one of these, please give me your thoughts, positive or negative.
OR, do you know of a web site w/ good color photos of end grain? I've found a couple of sites that are fair, but not exactly what I need.
Thanks for your help, thoughts, comments. After 40+ years at this, I'm still trying to learn something. :eusa_thin
Bill
Having said that, here's my question: What reference source (e.g. book, web site, samples, etc.) do you use to help you in this process? I've looked at several books that provide some help, but haven't decided which one to purchase yet. Here are the two I'm leaning toward: The Woodbook, and Identifying Wood by Bruce Hoadley. If you have/use either one of these, please give me your thoughts, positive or negative.
OR, do you know of a web site w/ good color photos of end grain? I've found a couple of sites that are fair, but not exactly what I need.
Thanks for your help, thoughts, comments. After 40+ years at this, I'm still trying to learn something. :eusa_thin
Bill
