DIY Junkies - Will the iPhone "ID Wood" App Work for You?

Since woodworking is our passion, the ability to identify wood is a necessity.  However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the app is also helpful for the DIY junky.  It provides a database of over 200 types of wood.

 The database includes:

  •      The Botanical name and "Known as" name
  •      Origin, Description and Photo 
  • ​     Common uses, Durability and Sustainability
  •      Woodworking Properties and Janka Hardiness
  •      Reference pages that include:​     

    •                Board feet and cost calculator
    •                Lumber & plywood sizing and grading
    •                Nail and Screw reference
    •                Glossary

    Now for the drawbacks:

    • ​     Price is $4.99
    •      While 200+ wood types is a good start, it's simply not enough and hopefully an area that will be expanded in future updates. 
    •      You can save different wood types to your favorites, but might end up with the botanical name which could be more difficult to remember.

    I give this app 3.5 stars.​

    ​

    When is Fungi a Good Thing?

    Well, let's see.  Have you ever heard of penicillin?  Just kidding, of course you have.  But the big question is "Why is this important to the wood turner?".   Fungi or spalted in the "land of wood" creates some of the most beautiful and interesting markings and as a result a spectacular and unique product.  Spalting is found primarily in dead trees but can also be found in stressed out live trees.  Who knew trees could be stressed?  I am including a link to the Ohio Dept of Natural Resources that provides a more in depth look at spalting for those of you that crave more information.  http://bit.ly/14Dhzri

    ​This is the base of a wine stem that clearly shows the spalting magic provided by mother nature.

    ​This is the base of a wine stem that clearly shows the spalting magic provided by mother nature.