Understanding Wood -- Dr. R Bruce Hoadley

[ken cierp]

Dr. Hoadley writes "I also feel compelled to attack the mountains of misinformation available and commonly accepted by wood workers. Most of it comes innocently from the misinterpretation of observations." Not surprisingly this is why I recommend the book as a must have and must read. The science of wood is, in some instances far different from what in the "guitar making circle" has become conventional wisdom. The most notable perhaps, is how glue/adhesives actually work. As an example, claims on both sides of the PVA -- hot hide glue arguments are shown to be faulty.

There's tons of useful information on joinery, wood bending theory, cutting tool selection, wood drying, humidity control, wood strength, finishing and it goes on!

This in my view is a master work and is the documentation I will frequently quote since the charts and graphs of supporting data is also included in the text.

[Rick Aliwalas]

Picked up Bruce Hoadley's book at the local library. Also picked up http://www.tauntonstore.com/tauntons-co ... 70832.html. Looking forward to digging into both.

-rick

[kevinwalsh]

Hey Ken; Dr Hoadley was my advisor when I got my degree in "Wood Science & Technology" from the Univ of Mass in the 70's. The guy certianly knows his stuff, not to mentiion he is a great human being.

[ken cierp]

I'd sure like to meet the guy -- very interesting. My nephew gave me (loaned) his copy which he had used for studies at Penn State, maybe his Masters?