Wood Identification & Use (Updated Edition)

Wood Identification & Use has been helping woodworkers with their craft for over 20 years with its comprehensive guide to the properties and uses of different wood types. This new edition has been updated to include changes to the availability of endangered and restricted tree species, as well as the latest research on the health risks associated with particular timbers.

The book begins with a useful introduction to general knowledge about wood and forests, including a detailed glossary of wood terminology. The main part of the book is a directory of over 200 wood types; for each one, its properties are described including its appearance, workability, durability, seasoning requirements, typical uses and any health risks associated with it. The text is accompanied by photographs of wood samples, illustrations of the trees and examples of items made from the timber.

This book would be very useful to help you identify any ‘mystery’ woods you come across. There is plenty of useful information for carvers here – you can learn more about your favourite woods and perhaps be tempted to try out some new ones too.

Terry Porter (d.2019) was born and raised in Cambridge, England. His lifelong interest in wood, and working with wood, was instilled in him from an early age by his father. Terry spent many years as a teacher and examiner in English as a Foreign Language, both in Britain and abroad. During this period he took up woodturning, which furthered his interest in wood and particularly in the many different species suitable for turning. He became a professional turner and furniture maker and was formerly the editor of GMC’s best-selling Woodturning magazine. With this background Terry has brought a lifetime’s practical experience to his work.