Replies

1. 
   dgreen | Jul 20, 2006 01:52am | #1

   If you have a computer there is a cd called Woods of the World that has good pictures.

   Since the house is on fire let us warm ourselves. ~Italian Proverb
1. 
   rondeandesign | Jul 20, 2006 02:02am | #2

   Yes, I've seen that cd, but I'm looking for something real I can touch and feel, put in the light, etc.

1. 
   dgreen | Jul 20, 2006 02:15am | #3

   Daunting task, these folks may help.

   http://www.woodcollectors.org/collect.htm
   Since the house is on fire let us warm ourselves. ~Italian Proverb

2. 
   miller | Jul 20, 2006 02:18am | #4

   Woodcraft sells a set of 50 small sheets of veneer  http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=3323

2. 
   skidkid | Jul 20, 2006 05:08am | #5

   Ron,

   Most generic wood samples will be approx. 3/4" square X 8" long; about all you will get from these is the color of the unfinished wood.

   Try calling your local architectural millwork reps; see if they can get you some decent samples 24" x 8" that show face grain; then you can apply finishes to see what you like.

   After you get a good selection of samples for your desk; nail them down!!

   Pasa bon noche. 

3. 
   sapwood | Jul 20, 2006 09:16am | #6

   You can purchase boxes of veneer samples from certainlywood.com. They have provided me with numerous 8x10 inch samples when I've requested them. I'm sure you can work something out. The samples come unfinished.

1. 
   rondeandesign | Jul 20, 2006 07:30pm | #7

   All great suggestions, thanks for the help.

4. 
   Joby | Aug 01, 2006 05:33pm | #8

   If you are an architect, you will most likely be spec'ing these woods at some point, which means that there should be a millworker out there who would work with you. If you work in a larger office or have more established contacts, ask around for who the good shops are and see if they can set you up with some samples.

5. 
   RickL | Aug 01, 2006 05:43pm | #9

   We deal in antique lumber and are constantly sending representative samples of our product. Another thing to consider is the cut of the wood. There's quarter sawn, plainsawn and riftsawn. Quartersawn  in a particular species may appeal more to a client than perhaps plainsawn. It's  a never ending job in educating the customer. We also deal with issues of character grade which includes such things as knots, wormhole, nail holes, bolt holes, splits, shake and yes we get more for character grade lumber.

   So one specie of wood can have a dozen types of samples easily.

   It will take time to build up a sample set and a complete understanding of the types of cuts and grades. Books should be included in this. World Woods by Lincoln and Hoadleys books are a must to read and own as well.

1. 
   petergulick | Sep 14, 2006 08:54pm | #10

   I'm an architect also and knowledge of wood and samples are something important that you build up over time like anything. It's always a good start to get a box of veneer samples, ask for scraps from any woodworker/millworker that is building work for you. A book with pictures and descriptions of cut wood and pictures of the tree it comes from are also helpful. Every project you work on you will get samples for approval, keep these. Learn the difference between the way wood is cut from a tree, plainsawn, quarter, etc. the look and price difference can be like night and day.Our office used to be have a woodshop attached to it so we have hundreds of pieces of wood, samples, etc around built up over time.Its also important that when you specify plywood and solid wood you are very specific.
   The difference between most oak plainsawn vs quartersawn/rift cut is like night and day, and is that red oak, white oak. Wood type - never describe something as simple as Cherry, specify American Cherry (Black), if that is what you want, or you'll get the usually less expensive South Amer cherry.
   Wood cut - specify if it's plainsawn, quartersawn, etc
   Finish - specify this also. Of course it's all a matter of opinion but avoid polyurethane glossy finishes, which are the equivilent of the plastic cover on a nice couch.Another thing to keep in mind - Shop drawings. If you do not have and review a detailed set of drawings and specifications from the person building the woodwork, do not be surprised when you and your client dont get what your looking for. No, your plans, sections and elevations are not enough. This usually is tough with smaller shops but it's really important to work out all the details prior to fabricationgood luckPeter G

1. 
   RickL | Sep 14, 2006 10:56pm | #11

   How about attention to the details. It was rondeandesign <!----><!---->  who was looking for the help, not me. I'm a 35 year veteran in the business who knows all about the cuts of wood, samples, jointery and more.

   You are supposed to click on the person's name you are replying too!

6. 
   Lataxe | Sep 14, 2006 11:19pm | #12

   Ron,

   A British timber merchant called John Boddy used to offer a box of prepared timber samplesof various species.  As I remember, it was expensive but comprehensive.  Their website is not very detailed but does have contact details:

   http://www.john-boddys-fwts.co.uk/index.htm

   There is also a book called "What wood is that" by Herbert L Edlin, which has 40 veneer samples mounted in a fold out card at the front of the book.  These are very helpful, even though you only get one "cut" of each of the 40 timbers.

   Lataxe

7. 
   oldbeachbum | Sep 15, 2006 12:08am | #13

   I have this one and it is wonderfully presented.  Bought it many years ago by mailorder before we had 'internet'.  I think you will enjoy it.

   http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=stripbooks&field-keywords=what%20wood%20is%20that&results-process=default&dispatch=search/ref=pd_sl_aw_tops-1_stripbooks_4370440_1&results-process=default?tag2=amd-google-20

   good luck in your career....something I always dreamed about but never quite made it.

   bum

   sorry, the title I was advising you of is WHat Wood is That?, the number one selection of the link

   ...two wrongs don't make a right, but... three lefts do... :)

   
   

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   Edited 9/14/2006 5:11 pm by oldbeachbum