Anyone have a link to a lumber description site?

[Tom Pritchard]

Hi all! I'm looking for a link that will describe the features, benefits, drawbacks, and possibly a picture of North American woods. I had one on my old computer, but it went out with the crashed hard disk and I can't find it again. Thanks for the help!

[Martin Shupe]

Tom,

I don't know about a web site, but Jon Arno, who recently passed away, did a series of articles over the years on different woods and their characteristics in Fine Woodworking. They are exceptional. If you don't have a FWW collection, check your local library.

[Bryan Nuss]

Hi Tom,

Here are a couple sites you may find useful.

http://www.hardwoodhandbook.org/

http://www.hardwoodcouncil.com/species_guide/display_species.asp

http://www.rd.com/americanwoodworker/articles/200012/hww/main.html

[Mike Tempel]

I ordered a CD (free) from the Hardwood council website some time ago. I looked over their website but didn't immediately find a direct link for doing so but you might just go to the "write and request" link at the top of their page and working through there try and order one.

http://www.hardwoodcouncil.com/species_guide/display_species.asp

[Charlie Plesums]

I have a summary for my customers on my web site, that may provide the information you need. It was consolidated from many sources (I'm not Jon Arno); it includes common furniture woods. The rules about posting links here are funny, but if you go to my profile, you can link to my web site, and chase through the woodworking - getting started - choosing wood pages. Or if you want, drop me a note and I will send you the link.

[Bill Arnold]

Tom,

These sites have a lot of good information and images:

http://www.woodzone.com/properties.htm

http://www.hobbithouseinc.com/personal/woodpics/indextotal.htm

Regards,

[Bill Arnold]

I ordered a CD (free) from the Hardwood council website some time ago. I looked over their website but didn't immediately find a direct link for doing so but you might just go to the "write and request" link at the top of their page and working through there try and order one.
http://www.hardwoodcouncil.com/species_guide/display_species.asp

Mike,

I followed the link and found an information 'kit' that has samples and a CD. The cost is $50. I didn't order it, but sent them a note asking about a free CD. I'll post their response when I get it.

Regards,

[Earl Reid]

A big thanks to Tom for his posting and to the others that provided the many sites on wood. I often come across woods I can't identify.
Tahnks , Earl :)

[Mike Tempel]

Mike,

I followed the link and found an information 'kit' that has samples and a CD. The cost is $50. I didn't order it, but sent them a note asking about a free CD. I'll post their response when I get it.

Regards,

My CD is called "The Finishing Touch, Version 2.0, A Guide to Specifiying North American Hardwood Species and Finishes" It is from The Hardwood Council at www.hardwoodcouncil.com (http://www.hardwoodcouncil.com) or if you would like to have their mailing address it is:
The Hardwood Council
P.O. Box 525
Oakmont, PA 15139

I had ordered mine sometime ago - probably a couple of years or more. Maybe they stopped giving them out for free????
I hope this helps you - I don't use the CD that much but it does make a good and quick reference tool.

Thanks, Mike