Wood Handbook, Wood as an Engineering Material

This is one of the best-kept secrets in woodworking literature. Published by the Forest Products Laboratory of USDA since the 1930s, it is revised, enlarged and updated every 10 to 15 years. This is the latest version, the 1999 update. At 480 pages in an 8-1/2" x 11" double-column format, it is a big book in every respect but, more important, the information in it is extensive, well researched and presented succinctly. Starting with characteristics and availability of commercially important wood, it lists physical and mechanical properties, lumber grading, fasteners, adhesives, composite and panel products, drying of wood, protection from fungi, bacteria and insects, wood finishing, use in buildings and bridges, round timbers and ties, and much more. The tables and graphs throughout are a mine of information. Once you own a copy of this book, it quickly becomes the first reference you turn to on any question involving wood. No serious woodworker should be without a copy.