Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Widely regarded as the must-have cornerstone of any serious woodworker's library, this definitive reference is essential for any DIYer or maker who wants their projects to last a lifetime.

This essential reference for the woodworker seeking quality and cost savings, this book offers an in-depth look at the nature and properties of wood, making it the indispensable resource for mastering the material at the heart of your craft.

Written by scientist and craftsman R. Bruce Hoadley, Understanding Wood allows you to master the science and maximize your results.

By knowing how wood grows, moves, shrinks, and swells, you can:

Eliminate Waste: Prevent warping, joint failure, and cracking that ruin lumber and cost you money. Source Smarter: Gain the knowledge and confidence to select and store raw materials, ensuring you get the best value for your dollar. Build Permanently: Apply scientific principles to master cutting, seasoning, machining, joining, bending, and finishing wood, creating durable pieces of heirloom quality.

This updated edition builds on timeless knowledge while incorporating new developments in composite materials, adhesives, and finishes. Featuring over 300 detailed photographs and illustrations, Understanding Wood gives you the knowledge and confidence to truly master your material--from the raw tree to the final finish.

Widely regarded as a must-have for any woodworking enthusiast, it offers an in-depth look at the nature and properties of wood, making it an indispensable resource for craftsmen of all skill levels.

Whether you're a seasoned craftsman or just starting out, Understanding Wood will give you the knowledge and confidence to master the material at the heart of your craft.

Key Features:

Comprehensive Guide : Learn everything about wood technology, from the raw materials to understanding the unique properties of different woods. Updated Content : New information on modern materials and techniques, including composites, adhesives, and finishes, to help you stay current in your craft. Visual Learning : Over 300 detailed photographs and illustrations bring critical woodworking concepts to life. Scientist & Craftsman's Insight : Written by an expert with a true love for woodworking, offering both technical expertise and practical advice. Timeless Knowledge : With over 130,000 copies sold, this book continues to be the cornerstone of any serious woodworker's library.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

Wood is a complex, dynamic material that can only be used successfully if the craftsperson understands it. It reacts to changes in humidity, and the various species have widely different working and structural properties (in addition to their many colors and textures). Both Hoadley and Peters do a good job of helping readers understand the factors that must be considered when using wood and products such as plywood. A frequent writer on home improvement topics, Peters offers a colorful book geared toward hobbyist woodworkers. He covers the process of making lumber from start to finish, including how trees grow, their structure, common ways of milling and drying lumber, grading, and possible defects found in wood. One section shows wood samples (both finished and plain) and describes their basic working characteristics. This particularly attractive book is filled with colorful photographs and illustrations and includes both a glossary and an excellent appendix showing the hazards posed by the sawdust of specific wood species. Hoadley, a professor of wood science and technology, has revised his classic title for its 20th anniversary. While the original is still great, the new title incorporates the latest technologies in adhesives, finishes, and wood products. Color photographs are a welcome addition as the original edition's photos were drab and unappealing. Hoadley covers much of the material that Peters does but in far greater depth. While this complexity may intimidate beginners, it is just what advanced users and professionals need. For example, Hoadley's wood identification section consists of macrophotographs of wood samples magnified ten times so that the correct species can be determined from the pattern of wood cells. This title also includes an in-depth glossary, bibliography, and index. Hoadley's work is an improvement of a classic while Peters's is good enough that it will likely stand the test of time as well. The difference is in complexity, not quality. General public library collections will get more use from Peters's title, while in-depth public and academic libraries will want Hoadley. Jonathan Hershey, Akron-Summit Cty. P.L., OH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Author notes provided by Syndetics

R. Bruce Hoadley , Ph.D., is the world's preeminent authority on wood science for the craftsman and a retired professor of Wood Science at theUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst.A true master of both the laboratory and the wood shop, Dr. Hoadley has dedicated his career to translating the complex science of wood physics and chemistry into practical, understandable terms for woodworkers, builders, and dedicated DIYers. He is the celebrated author of the essential, universally acclaimed guide Understanding Wood: A Craftsman's Guide to Wood Technology , which is considered the cornerstone reference of any serious woodworking library. Through his extensive research, consulting, and teaching, Dr. Hoadley has empowered generations of makers to choose, store, and work with wood intelligently, ensuring the longevity and quality of their finished projects.