How to Select the Right Wood for Your Project

By ROBIN BANKS

"How to Select the Right Wood for Your Project" is your go-to resource for mastering the art of choosing wood that aligns perfectly with your woodworking endeavors. This comprehensive guide equips both beginners and seasoned woodworkers with the knowledge to make informed decisions, ensuring your projects not only look stunning but also stand the test of time.

Wood Species Demystified: Explore an extensive breakdown of popular wood species, understanding their characteristics, colors, grain patterns, and suitability for different projects.

Project-Specific Guidance: Receive tailored advice for selecting wood based on the type of project you're undertaking, whether it's furniture, cabinetry, outdoor structures, or artistic creations.

Understanding Wood Grades: Demystify the grading system, learning how to choose the right grade of wood for your project's aesthetic and structural requirements.

Moisture Content Matters: Gain insights into the importance of moisture content, and learn how to select and prepare wood that is appropriately seasoned for your specific project.

Finishing Considerations: Explore how different woods respond to stains, finishes, and treatments, ensuring your final masterpiece achieves the desired aesthetic and durability.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Choices: Discover eco-conscious choices and sustainable practices, making informed decisions that align with environmental considerations.

? Ready to elevate your woodworking projects with the perfect wood selection? Grab your copy of "How to Select the Right Wood for Your Project" and empower yourself with the knowledge to transform your woodworking visions into reality. Whether you're a seasoned craftsman or just starting, this guide is your essential companion in crafting timeless and remarkable wood creations. Begin your woodworking journey today! ?

• Language: English
• Publisher: ROBIN BANKS
• Release date: Jun 18, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227303134

Book preview

Robin Banks

HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT WOOD FOR YOUR PROJECT

Copyright © 2023 by Robin Banks

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

First edition

This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy

Find out more at reedsy.com

Contents

1. Introduction

2. Safety Tips

3. Comprehending wood basics

4. Difference between softwood and hardwood

5. How to cut lumbers from logs

6. The properties of wood

7. How to identify wood

8. Transportable lumber mills

9. How to select lumber

10. How to grade lumber

11. Understanding hardwood & softwood grades

12. Understanding lumber effects

13. How to prepare the lumber

14. The procedure of veneering

15. Utilizing plywood

16. Plywood grading

17. How to conceal plywood edges

18. Hardboard versions

19. How to dry and store wood

20. How to estimate wood movement

21. How to store wood

22. Wood index guide

23. Wood Index

24. List of technical terms

25. Conclusion

1

Introduction

Before you begin, it’s essential to establish sound safety practices when using woodworking machinery or hand tools. Exercise common sense when working with any finishing materials. Always wear safety glasses and follow hearing protection guidelines when operating woodworking tools. Additionally, carefully adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations for woodworking power tools and strictly observe safety guidelines.

This book comprises five separate manuscripts. In the first book, we will initially discuss safety tips and gain an understanding of wood fundamentals, such as distinguishing between softwood and hardwood. We will then delve into topics such as cutting lumber from logs, various lumber cutting techniques, selecting the best wood, and the advantages of plain-sawn and quarter-sawn lumber. You will also learn about wood properties, working with grain, and determining the best planing direction. Furthermore, we will cover wood identification techniques, including microscopic examination, wood sample preparation, and the use of identification keys. Moving forward, we will explore portable lumber mills, procedures for cutting logs into boards, selecting lumber by the board foot, and examining species, quantity, size, grade, seasoning, and surfacing. We will also discuss creating and using cutting lists, grading lumber, and the four basic steps taken by lumber graders, as well as hardwood and softwood grades and common wood defects. You will gain insights into preparing lumber, jointing, planing, ripping cupped stock, and jointing concave and convex surfaces. Additionally, we will cover veneering techniques, popular veneer varieties, and veneer application methods. The book will also address the use of plywood, grading plywood, concealing plywood edges, applying self-adhesive edge banding, and adding molding. Furthermore, we will explore hardboard varieties, including plywood, particleboard, fiberboard, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF). You will learn about drying and storing wood, using resistance-type moisture meters, estimating wood movement, and drying times for different woods, such as hardwoods and softwoods. Finally, we will discuss wood storage methods, including pipe storage racks, cantilevered storage racks, lumber and plywood rack fastening, freestanding plywood racks, vertical plywood racks, dowel wrapping, ceiling dowel storage, mobile base racks, combination workbenches, and stock stacking between wall studs. In conclusion, you will find a directory featuring 21 wood species selected with cabinetmakers’ needs and interests in mind.

In the second book, we will begin by discussing essential woodworking tools and basic safety precautions. You will learn how to prepare your workshop for fire safety, electrical safety, and acquire personal safety gear and first aid tools. Additionally, we will cover planning for a basic shop layout, including electrical power layout, appropriate lighting, floor, wall, ceiling preparation, and heating and ventilation systems. You will also gain insights into preparing your workbench, vises, accessories, bench dogs, and hold downs. The book will discuss supplementary shop accessories, air compressors, portable generators, bench grinders, and dust collectors. Furthermore, we will delve into wood and tool storage methods. Lastly, we will outline the fundamental requirements for work tables, sawhorses, work support, and extension tables.

In book 3, we will begin with the construction of various tables, including end tables, dining tables, open pedestal tables, card tables, and a tea cart. You will also learn how to build breakfast tables, gate-leg tables, sofa table complements, and even a convertible table. The book will guide you through crafting a coffee table with a glass top, trestle tables, and a modest coffee table.

In book 4, we will focus on outdoor furniture, starting with an overview of outdoor tables. You will learn how to build a patio table and a joint stool. We will also explore outdoor chairs, covering the construction of Adirondack chairs, curved chairs, and lounge chairs. Additionally, we will discuss making a porch swing, glider base, park bench, and tree bench. The book will conclude with instructions for creating a serving trolley, garden arbor, bookcase, and blanket chest.

In book 5, we will delve into crafting various wooden items, including side chairs, rush seats, Shaker rocking chairs, tape seats, and meeting benches. We will also explore table construction, including trestle tables, drop-leaf tables, candle stands, and step stools. You will learn how to make a wall clock, pie safe, adjustable shelving, panel doors, and pegboards. The book will also cover constructing drawers, desks, frames, legs, rails, and tops. If you’re as eager and prepared as I am, let’s get started!

2

Safety Tips

Here are the safety guidelines and steps for using woodworking equipment and felling a tree:

1. Ensure you are wearing the appropriate safety gear, including safety glasses or a face shield, as well as hearing protectors or earplugs.

If there is no dust collection system in place, wear a dust mask to protect yourself from inhaling sawdust.

When working with exotic woods like ebony, use a respirator as the sawdust may trigger allergic reactions.

Always wear work gloves when handling rough lumber to protect your hands.

Verify that your workshop has adequate lighting and ventilation and that your work surfaces are spacious and stable.

Prior to operating any machinery, carefully read the owner’s manual for instructions and safety precautions.

Keep children, onlookers, and pets away from the work area to prevent accidents.

Unplug any machinery before performing setup or installation procedures.

Keep blades and cutter head knives sharp to ensure efficient and safe operation.

If a machine produces unusual vibrations or noises, turn it off immediately and have it serviced before continuing work.

Do not use a machine if any of its components are worn or damaged, as this can pose serious risks.

Roll up long sleeves and remove rings and jewelry that could get caught in moving parts.

Maintain a safe distance from turning blades or cutter heads to prevent accidents.

Find a comfortable stance and avoid overreaching to maintain control over your work.

Stay focused on the task at hand and avoid rushing, especially when using power tools.

Do not work when you are tired, stressed, or under the influence of alcohol or medications that induce drowsiness.

Keep your work area clean and organized, as clutter can lead to accidents, and wood scraps and sawdust can be fire hazards.

Ensure you are wearing safety goggles, hearing protection, work boots, and a hard hat. Your clothing should be close-fitting, and long hair should be tied back.

When operating a chainsaw, do so outdoors on a dry, clear day.

Mix fuel and add it to the chainsaw’s fuel tank at least 10 feet away from your work area.

To start the chainsaw, place it on the ground in your work area, making sure the chain is not in contact with anything.

Secure the chainsaw with your foot and one hand, then use your other hand to pull the starter cord.

While operating the chainsaw, maintain a firm grip with both hands to