Official Luthiers Forum!

What's the best method, or the best reference materials for identifying a possible find? I have replaced two shelves over my livingroom fireplace that were beams about 4x8x60, and I'm curious what they are. Also, I was recently in my grandpa's barn and spyed some old beams and planks. I didn't ask him, yet, but I'd guess they're 30-40 yrs. old. I'm sensing some hidden treasures and need a way to determine what I may have at my finger tips! Help! Darin Spayd38466.4555671296

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DES - Shepherd, MI

   Often the local woods used were what was plentiful at the time. Chestnut was used alot at the early part of 1900 till the blight took the trees.
use your nose. Most soft woods will have a certain look. You may have to find a local wood guy. Pines , spruces and firs were often used in barns as they can take a little water poplar will rot fast and wasn't used much , Most hardwoods will in fact rot in a barn setting but there were some that were great. Catalpa is very rot resistant .
   Wood can be identified by grain color ans smell so clean off a spot with a plane. You may be able to get a better look see at the wood that way.
    Learning wood takes a long time as some woods look alike and are dificult to ID
John Hall
Blues Creek Gutiar

the woodworking houses sell some books on identifying our elusive quary.

Never mind, neither of these two books has anything about identifying the species of wood.

There is a taunton press book named "Understanding Wood" by Hoadley. Fine woodworking gave it a really good review, as befits the publisher.

I also have a book entitled "the encyclopedia of wood"

Got them both 10 years ago, so I don't know if they are still in print.EricKeller38468.7839583333

Thanks for the input, guys!   

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DES - Shepherd, MI

Hi,

Eric is on the right track. Hoadley's books are very good. He actually wrote two though. I have the same one as Eric, "Understanding Wood", but I think he had another that was more towards identification. I just can't remember the name. My guess is that if Taunton is the publisher, they are still in print.

Hoadley knows his stuff. It's a little like gemstone identification. You first determine the most basic attributes and then get more and more specific. Play detective! You might find a new carreer!

Regards, Steve Brown

Mr. Brown is correct. It is called "Identifying Wood: Accurate Results With Simple Tools". It is fascinating, to be sure. It is also for sale at Amazon, or just do a search for it.

Again, many thanks!

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DES - Shepherd, MI