Replies

1. 
   15Broad | Jan 17, 2004 03:22pm | #1

   jacksa -

     Finally, a chance to provide help to someone newer than myself!  First of all yes, hardwood is harder than softwood.  I think the only exception is balsa, which is classed as a hardwood because it's deciduous broadleaf.  There are many excellent books available, Bruce Hoadley's Understanding Wood is an excellent source of wood info.  Most of the carpentry and cabinetmaking books I've read so far have had a section on wood identification, but I don't know how much use the rest of the book would be for an instrument maker.

     That's about as much as I can be sure I'll be right about, so I'll stop there and let the more experienced guys take over.  Welcome to the craft.

2. 
   jonsherryl | Jan 17, 2004 04:59pm | #2

   Jacksa, I'd agree with the Broad, Bruce Hoadley's Identifying Wood is the best reference to start with. The first couple of chapters are about as interesting to read as an algebra text, but you come away with a good understanding of wood anatomy and the vocabulary of the science. You need these skills to make sense out of other references...so, it's a good place to start.

   You'll also want to buy a hand lens with at least 10X magnificantion and then begin to collect samples of woods for which you are certain of the identity. A good source for these is the International Wood Collectors Society (IWCS). They publish a monthly bulletin called the World of Wood...and I think the annual dues to join are only about $25 these days. The IWCS has about 2000 members worldwide, so you can usually track down samples from virtually anywhere...and you'll get to know some very interesting (and helpful) characters. 

3. 
   WayneL5 | Jan 17, 2004 06:14pm | #3

   Hardwoods come from deciduous trees and softwoods come from evergreens.  There is some overlap in actual hardness, with some softwoods harder than some hardwoods.

   Both of Hoadley's books mentioned are excellent resources.

4. 
   Dale | Jan 17, 2004 09:06pm | #4

   Hardwood are generally harder than softwoods.  I'll climb out on a limb here and say usually hardwood has a specific gravity > 0.45 and softwoods less than.  There are exceptions such as balsa for one, S.G.~0.1.  Our southern yellow pines that consist of mainly four commercial species, loblolly, shortleaf, longleaf and slash has a S.G. near 0.5.  The true grouping of hardwood is as follows: Angiosperm - Means 'enclosed seeds' and identifies trees  known as hardwoods.  Softwoods: Gymnosperm - Means 'naked seeds' and identifies trees  known as softwoods. 

   As been previous discuss there is overlapping here with evergreen and deciduous trees. One example is: Baldcypress is deciduous but is a softwood, live oak is evergreen but is a hardwood. 

   Softwood and hardwood is a general grouping and is somewhat due to overlapping, don't get hung up on the terms to much, tends to me more academic than anything.

   As far as books go I don't have a clue, I have Hoadley's book (it was gifted to me a few months ago and have only "looked through it".  I use a book from me college days written by Cote?? But I suppose Hoadley's book would be a good starting point.  As far as musical instruments are concerned, I'd think Jon Arno would be a good source as I understand he makes string instruments himself.

   I hope all this helps, and welcome to woodworking.  I would think your metalworking will come in handy.  My father was a machinist and every time I'd ask him he would tell how he would do something on large and costly machines.  I never did learn how to  freehand shapen a twist drill bit from him..........Dale

1. 
   jacksa | Jan 18, 2004 12:44pm | #6

   Thanks for that, Dale. I have printed that and put in the workshop for reading while warming up.

   As far as sharpening twist drills is concerned. Well all I can say is have a good look at a drawing or photo of the cutting end and notice the angles of attack and make sure that the two opposing cutting edges are the same length. I can feel the skill but I cannot transmit it, doggone it!

   Regards

5. 
   VeniciaL | Jan 17, 2004 09:58pm | #5

   Jacksa,

   Welcome to the forum. Expect metalworking questions from us woodworkers!

   In addition to the 2 Hoadley books, which are a "must have" (either in your personal library or at the public one), "What Wood is That?" may interest you. It has 40 wood samples bound into the front section. Here's a web site that gives it mixed reviews:

   http://www.outdoorshub.com/What_Wood_Is_That_A_Manual_of_Wood_Identification_0670759074.html

   Here is another site that may be of interest. It offers a CD database or a membership to search wood types and characteristics on line.

   http://www.thewoodexplorer.com/

   I have no affiliation with either of these. I have browsed the above book in Borders, but have not bought it.

   VL