Hardwood Species Guide
- Joseph Voda
- 18 hours ago
- 2 min read
Good Day MSWG Members!
Every new woodturner I have ever met (me included) will soon ask an “old hand”: “What ‘type or kind’ of wood is this?”
Do not be offended if the reply includes, “You need more information, and ‘type or kind’ is incorrect – the term is ‘species’”. You have asked one of the best questions common to all new woodturners. And, the query tells the “Old Hand” you have a deeper interest in continuing your new hobby! (Does the term “mentor” come to mind?)
That said, you likely just started an association with a mentor, who may point you to our library of books and DVD’s to support the knowledge base you seek. Sadly, many books (and DVD’s) on this subject can be confusing when they contain too much scientific detail for a novice.
Now, enter our meeting-location hosts at the National Hardwood Lumber Association! For a concise introduction to some of the more common hardwoods we often use, follow this link:
After you study this information, search out some pieces of green or dried woods to practice with. It is at this point you will notice that guidebooks use pictures of boards and not chunks of tree trunks, with or without bark, as we use in ‘turning. You should, also, notice that the surface of a bowl, either end-grain or side-grained, will have little to no, direct relation to the images of growth-rings, as you study the resource.
Why? That is the next great question you can ask!
If this piques your interest, send me an email (found on Membership page) with “Why?” in the subject line to read my next explanation.
Joseph Voda
MSWG Lifetime Member – 2022
Pub: 2026.03.09
