world of wood · 2 world of wood may/june 2008 vol. 61, no. 3 issn 1068-7300 may/june 2008 the...

May/June 2008 World of Wood 1

World of WoodJOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOOD COLLECTORS SOCIETY

Volume 61, Number 3 May/June 2008

2 World of Wood May/June 2008

Vol. 61, No. 3 ISSN 1068-7300 May/June 2008The International Wood Collectors Society, founded in 1947, is a non-profit society advancing information on wood.

Cover photograph...... Background; Bumpy ash (Flindersia schottiana) figuredgrain. Centre; One of Les Loffler’s echidna coaster which form his specimencollection. See story on page 11.

ContentsThe President’s Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3My first experience of the IWCS Family . 4Planning for Florida 18-22 February 2009. 6...sorting through the off-cuts . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Figured wood for guitars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8What an interesting lot we are! . . . . . . . . 9The McGuffey Ash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10My Echidna wood collection . . . . . . . . . . 11Update on IWCS International Woodfest -

Hocking College, Nelsonville . . . . . . . 12REGISTRATION

2008 IWCS International Woodfest . . . .13Exploring . . . Dyeing Wool and Yarn

with Wood Chips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14US Great Lakes & US Southwest Regions -Call for Trustee Candidates: 2008 . . . . . 17My Favorite Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18All-Mail Auction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Shrubwoods of the World . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Wood Meets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Member’s Listings and Requests . . . . . . 24Woods of HM Bark Endeavour replica . . . 25Regis-tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Australian woods No 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Program for 2009 IWCS Annual Meeting,

Netherlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30“Wood Works: A Journey “. . . . . . . . . . . . 32

World of Wood

Editor: Morris Lake22 Julia St, Highgate Hill, Q 4101AUSTRALIA

Telephone: From overseas: 061 07 3844 1246Within Australia: (07) 3844 1246

E-mail: [email protected]

Associate Editors:Ken Bassett — Washington, USA.Richard Crow — Cornwall, England.Alan Curtis — Oregon, USA.Ron DeWitt — New York, USA.Eugene Dimitriadis — Victoria, Australia.David Greve — Queensland, Australia.Fred Holder — Washington, USA.Emie Ives — Suffolk, England.Nelis Mourik—South Holland, Netherlands.Susan Stamm — Wisconsin, USA.

IWCS World wide web site:http://www.woodcollectors.org

World of Wood, published bimonthly by the International Wood Collectors Society, isdevoted to distributing information on collecting wood, correctly identifying and namingwood specimens, and using wood in creative crafts.Contributions for publication may be educational, scientific, technical or of general interestto members and relevant to the purposes of the Society. Papers may be refereed by anEditorial Board of technically trained members.The phrases ‘World of Wood’, ‘ IWCS Wood Data Sheet’ and all materials contained hereinare © Copyright protected by the International Wood Collectors Society. Address requeststo reprint material to the editor.World of Wood is published as a benefit to members of the IWCS, a non-profit organizationof botanists, dendrologists, and other scientists, technologists, wood collectors, hobbyistsand crafts people for mutual assistance and reciprocation.Membership rates for individuals or couples worldwide are: US $35 annually, US $90 for 3years, US $125 for 5years and US $500 for life membership. Student Membership is US$15per year. Corporate Membership US$125 annually, US$325 for 3 years, US$450 for 5 years.Applications are available from the Secretary-Treasurer or from the IWCS website. Duesand address changes also should be directed to the Secretary-Treasurer.We encourage your membership in our unique international organization.

Officers and TrusteesPresident: Art Lee

Vice President and President-elect : Garry Roux

Secretary-Treasurer: Bill & Myrtle Cockrell

Publications Chairman: Chuck Holder

Endowment FundChairman: Dan James

Archivist: Jerry Zipprich

Past President: Chuck Holder

Regional Trustees

NE USA (2006-2009) Ron DeWitt

SE USA (2008-2010) Chris Nothnagle

Great Lakes USA (2006-2008) Bob Nunan

Central USA (2006-2009) Shawn P. Pulka

NW USA (2008-2010): Fred Holder

SW USA (2006-2008) Bill Tarleton

Canada (2006-2009) Greg Reed

UK (2006-2009) Ted Ingle

Australasia (2008-2010) Ian McLaughlin

Committee ChairpersonsAll-Mail Auction: Art Brennan

Membership: Garry Roux

Museum Committee: Robert Ritchie

New-member Correspondent: Bill Cockrell

Wood Import Permit: Alan Curtis

Wood Specimen Kits: Marve Smith

Web Master: Erlene Tarleton

Website Committee: Chuck Holder

Corporate Membership Coordinator: Daryle Layton

Student Membership Coordinator: Les Campbell


The President’s Message

Arthur Lee

This edition of theWorld of Wood ispacked with greatarticles. Ourhard-working

editor, Morris Lake, continues toproduce an ever-increasing, qualitypublication. His article on Huonpine makes me appreciate all of thespectacular ancient trees of Australia.I am glad to see new memberscontributing articles, along with theveteran writers. New IWCS member,Terry Bryan from the UnitedKingdom, gives his perspective onhis first US Southeast Regionalmeeting at Lake Yale, Florida. Terryand his wife, Gill, met dozens ofmembers during the first day of themeeting. They maximized theirmeeting experience by attending asmany of the presentations anddemonstrations as they could. Terryalso did an analysis of our interestsin IWCS. His results are interestingand are presented on page 9.

Tim Clow has contributed an articleon figured woods used in guitarmaking. I met Tim at a SouthwestRegional meeting in Florida a fewyears ago. He has an eye for figuredwoods and usually brings severalpieces to show. His travellingcompanions (and neighbours),Eugene & Geraldine Stock, displayEugene’s beautiful lidded boxes atthe Lake Yale meetings. Eugenemakes the boxes from figured woodprovided by Tim. I recently obtainedone of Eugene’s boxes made of curlykoa from Hawaii and accent pieces ofebony, bloodwood and holly.Take a look at the All-Mail Auctionofferings. Thanks go to Art Brennanfor organizing the auction and to allof the contributors who donateditems. This auction allows all themembers to bid on exotic woodspecimens and artwork. If you havenot been able to attend an auction atan IWCS meeting, this is your chanceto obtain some unique pieces.Frank Lynn’s daughter, Susan, andAllan & Judi Schwindt donatedseveral of Frank’s turnings. Somewill be auctioned here and atRegional meetings this year. Fundsgenerated by the auction are used forcontinuing IWCS operations.I would like to welcome Raf andLinda Nathan of Australian WoodReview as our newest Corporatemember, and also thank our currentcorporate sponsors for their supportof the Society. Thanks go to DarylLayton, our new CorporateMembership chairman.Also, a big “thank you” goes to all ofthe current members who havebrought in new members. Welcomeaboard to the 32 new members listedin the Regis-tree.There are several regional meetingsplanned this year and hopefully youwill be able to attend one nearby.You will be pleasantly surprised bythe fun you will have and the new

friends you will meet. Give yourregional trustee a call to say hello.Thanks go out to Bill Tarleton andBob Nunan for their service astrustees these past 3 years. We areasking for nominations forcandidates to take on the trusteeresponsibilities for the Southwestand Great-Lakes regions. Thetrustee positions are key to ourorganization and their role andresponsibilities are outlined on page17. This may appear to be a long listof responsibilities, but it really is nottoo big a job, and as Chuck Holdermentions in describing the position,it is a good way to give back to theorganisation some of the benefitsthat you have received. Yourparticipation will also ensure thatwe continue to grow both instrength and in our knowledge ofwood. If you are not sure aboutwhether you could do the job thenget in contact with a former trusteeand talk to them.It is always sad to say goodbye tomembers who have passed. MaryFlynn, wife of Jim Flynn, passedaway in March. Mary helped Jim inhis volunteer work for IWCS. Ispoke with Mary on severaloccasions at IWCS meetings. Shewas always happy to sit and chatwith you.Honorary Life Member, TomGerson, also passed away in April.He was an active member in IWCSand contributed greatly to theSociety.This President’s Message will be mynext to last one. Garry Roux hasvolunteered to go from VicePresident to President-elect. Histenure as Vice President and all ofhis work as the MembershipChairman give him the backgroundto lead this organization. I will handover the gavel to him at the annualmeeting in Ohio. Hope to see mostof you there!-Art

A note for contributorsThe best approach is for you to

submit articles to me as youcomplete them. I can then start to

‘lay’ them into subsequenteditions as I feel they will appear.In this way each edition will ‘grow’and present a balance of topics. I

will advise you when they willappear. This will also reduce thelast minute rush to meet final edit

and printing deadlines. The absolute last minute itemslike meeting notices and urgentissues should get to me before:

1 July for the July/Aug 2008 issue1 Sept for the Sept/Oct 2008 issue1 Nov for the Nov/Dec 2008 issue

E-mail copy to:[email protected]


I discovered IWCS by way of theinternet, so therefore knew no othermembers when I joined. I had readjust two issues of World of Woodwhen I saw in the September/October 2007 issue details of the 2008Southeast Regional Winter Woodfestin Eustis, Florida. As my wife and Iwere due to be in Orlando, Florida atthe time of the Woodfest, stayingwith our son and grandson, wedecided to register to go to it. Wehad no idea what to expect, but thedetails in World of Wood suggestedthat it would be fun and informative- including interesting sessions forthe ladies who might not be asinterested as their husbands in woodand related activities.We were encouraged when aneighbour in Orlando told us what alovely place the Lake Yale BaptistConference Center was, and on ourthree visits each year to Florida weenjoy new experiences of Americanculture and locations. So imagineour surprise when our first ever face-to-face contact with an IWCS personat the registration desk, was withanother visitor from England,Pauline Sawbridge! And we soondiscovered that, with her husband,Terry (#4966), Pauline was on her15th visit from Staffordshire,England to this Woodfest. Pauline

My first experience of the IWCS Family

— at the Southeast USA Woodfest, February 2008

and Terry had hosted last Autumn’smeeting of the UK IWCS Branch andas I hadn’t managed to get fromLondon to see them in Staffordshireit was special fun to meet them, forthe first time, 4,000 miles from ourhomes in England.The second face-to-face meeting waswith Elaine Hunt, who with herhusband, Manley (#8174), organisedthe Woodfest and the supportingprogram. The next three daysshowed how excellent theirorganising was. As strangers andnewcomers it was particularlyimpressive to see how Elaine andPauline introduced us to, or pointedus out to, a variety of members whocame and spoke to us.During that first afternoon, before Ireally knew what was going on, Ihad met a number of people who Ihad previously come across only onpaper in the process of joining IWCSor from the pages of World of Wood:Bill and Myrtle Cockrell (#4654) fromIndiana, Bob Chastain (#6038) alsofrom Indiana, Alan Curtis (#1132)from Oregon, Art Lee (#7984) fromMaryland, Chris Nothnagle (#3104)from Virginia, Jerry Zipprich (#1238)from Illinois and Gary Roux (#6466)also from Illinois, Bill Perkins(#3086), ‘snowbirding’ in Florida,from Indiana, just as we were from

London, soon had me tied-up with his wooden“calling-card” stick -which, I am told, he doesto all new members hemeets!We know that Americanslike to travel, and that theyhave to like it, given thedistances involved, but mywife and I were impressedwith the long journeys

many of the attendees had made tobe at Lake Yale. The 175 attendeescame from 19 US States, 2 CanadianProvinces and 2 UK counties. Wealso met Bob, Ankie and RobertGoddard (#5344) on their seventhvisit to the Winter Woodfest, fromour county in England - only 30minutes drive from our UK home!We also met a couple, Henry andHazel Will (#8542), who live only 20minutes from our house inOrlando—what a small world IWCScovers!We were also impressed with howwelcome we had been made to feelso quickly and by so many people—and how friendly everyone was.When Elaine Hunt made theannouncements at the first eveningdinner she immediately said howthrilled she was “to be back among theIWCS Family”. That seemed such anapt description from our six houracquaintance with fellow members,and as the Woodfest continued wefelt more and more how appropriateit was!

DisplaysThe main hall at the center was fullof member displays, and I wasstruck by the range of interests andskills among this gathering of woodenthusiasts: turning, carving, penmaking, wooden jewelry making,wood burning, stick making, toymaking, puzzle making, anddisplays of books and woodcollections and wood related items(for example, sweat shirts and capsembroidered topersonal taste andwith a uniqueIWCS Lake YaleWinter Woodfestlogo (as shownhere) thank youJeff and DoraVinson (#8845).Registration area entrance.

by Terry Bryan #9128


It was the most varied, enjoyableand satisfying display of wood andwood craft, and wood relatedproducts, all handmade, that I haveseen in many years.During the three days of theWoodfest I was especially interestedin the sessions on collecting,presented by Tim Heggarton andAlan Curtis. Tim Heggarton andJerry Zipprich had displays ofsamples for sale—and I did businesswith them both to add to the weightof our luggage on our way back tothe UK!It was nice that everyone with adisplay was interested in talking tome about their work and interest,and in letting me try theirequipment if I was new to it. Severalran instruction or display sessions inaddition to their tables in the hall.As a result I finished up with morepacking in our luggage: a new rangeof Flexcut palm-held chisels, Flexcutknives and a stropping set, and awood burning tool, from John Davis(#6305) who gave me helpful adviceabout what to use and how.On advice from Manley Hunt beforewe left the UK, I had prepared adisplay of Heritage Wood fromhistoric sites in the UK. Theseincluded; pieces from HMS Victory,SS Cutty Sark, Windsor Castle,Brighton Pier, Winston Churchill’sHome in Chartwell, and a RoyalGunpowder Magazine built in 1760on the banks of the River Thamesand probably built from oakrecovered from the defeat of theSpanish Armada in 1588. I also took,and sold or gave away, several spare

samples of European woods frommy wood store.

Partners programs

My wife, Gill, especially enjoyed thenon-wood related sessions on BeadedBracelet Making with Sonya Barriger(#6214), Marbling with Lucy Cruise(#8543), and Basket Weaving withTed Spangenberg (# 8288). She wasalso thrilled to see the miniatureturning demonstrated by RobertGoddard and to arrange for him togive a demonstration at her DollsHouse Club back in the UK! Aserendipitous conjunction of ourtwo hobbies and a further exampleof the small world of IWCS!

Other sessionsOther sessions showed how keenmembers were on the environmentand our natural surroundings -including a talk and display onrescued birds of prey, a talk fromWay Hoyt (#5513) on looking aftertrees, and a bird-watching walk inwhich we were lucky enough to seea bald eagles’ nest with a chick in it.

Each evening there were door prizes,and Elaine ensured that over the fourevenings everybody —whoremembered to bring their door-prizeticket!— won a prize.The final day was given over to theWood Auction.Manley Hunt had been running thesaw mill on the previous two days,reducing the impressive starting pilesof donated logs and other wood forsale— including to visiting day-members who were dealers orcraftsmen after woods of unusualkinds or in unusual sizes and at keenprices which were negotiated,including for custom-sized pieces, byTerry Sawbridge.Bob Winter (#9145) ran the auction soefficiently and effectively and soreminiscent of ‘The Auctioneer’ songand of cattle auctions shown inWestern movies—a truly enjoyablereal-life addition to our experience ofAmerican culture!Bob and Manley were helpedthroughout by so many differentmembers acting as (hewers of wood andcarriers of timber) porters.On the last evening there was a CraftAuction—also run by Bob Winter andhelped again by members acting asspotters and porters— consisting ofwood ornaments, turnings, carvings,boxes, toys, wood sample collections,books, and other craft items, includingpast editions of World of Wood—allmade or donated by IWCS members.The coverage of both these auctions,and the income for IWCS, all fromdonated pieces, was impressive.During the two auctions there was afurther example of the Internationaland family nature of IWCS, and of thesupport for Elaine and Manley’sarrangements, as two of ourcompatriots from England, PaulineSawbridge and Ankie Goddard,assisted in keeping track of who bidhow much for what—and in collectingall the money at the end.My wife and I have both organisedconferences, displays, lectures andactivities over the years in ourprofessional and private lives. What

The bald eagle nest and chick-lower right.

Anotherview of thecentre.


Elaine and Manley achieved was magnificent;the supporting help and donations of prizesand auction wood and other items frommembers over the three days was alsoimpressive—totally reinforcing andunderpinning the ‘family’ atmosphere.What was particularly enjoyable, helpful andrewarding about this family was that therewas no suggestion of competition orsuperiority about our shared love of wood andwood related interests— everyone wasnonjudgmental, all the different ranges ofinterest, ability and contributions —and therewere wide ranges of all— were always,without exception, treated with the samefriendly respect, interest and enthusiasm andhelp.Gill, and I both enjoyed our time at the LakeYale Conference Center. We met a lot ofinteresting and friendly people, and spokeabout much more than wood and relatedsubjects. It was clearly a family reunion,which we now feel part of, and we are happyto be contemplating being among the familyagain when the opportunity arises. There maybe other opportunities between now and thenbut we are already excited about the prospectof being back at Lake Yale for the 2009 WinterWoodfest next February!I had no idea, until Art Lee’s closing words atthe Woodfest, when he nudged us tocontribute articles for World of Wood, and mywife nudged me and said ‘you could do that’(so you can blame her!), that as such anewcomer I would be writing about ourexperience at Lake Yale. So, I have nophotographs, apart from the one of my cap, ofthe IWCS related activities - but I haveincluded some of the facilities andsurroundings at the Lake Yale Center: ourneighbour in Orlando was so right—it is alovely place and ideally suited for conferences.I also had no idea, when I joined IWCS lastSummer, that it covered such a varied range ofwood-related interests and activities (……. butthat is another, short, story!) and that Gill andI would both enjoy it so much; it is so muchmore than I could have imagined when Ijoined last Summer. Thank you IWCS andeveryone associated with it (particularly, ofcourse, Elaine and Manley Hunt)!Before we left our Orlando home to go to theWoodfest I was able to identify two particulartrees in our garden (yard) there, and ... butthat is yet another story!

The Florida meeting was grandwith 175 people attending;“Nine new members”, Manleysaid. But then Manley andElaine indicated that this wasgoing to be the last Floridameeting unless someone waswilling to take over for nextyear.Well, I just couldn’t see such agrand affair and connection toLake Yale, axed, so I said Iwould try to fill their shoes andhost the event if some peoplewould stand with me.That was all that was neededand Melvin Glick volunteeredto help with registration, JesseTruax said he would be the ‘gobetween’ to the Lake Yalepeople—since he lives rightthere and is even employed bythem. Manley will help withthe sawmill and the auctionand several women will helpwith the registration onpremises.Manley is now getting thecontract made for next yearthat I will have to sign foraround $30,000. We willguarantee at least 80% of that,which would come out ofauction sales if we had a reallow turnout, but since we hadover 175 this year, we will gowith a starting number of 160for next year. Then if moreshow up, no problem. Theyusually have more beds thatcan be filled which just getsadded at the end expense. Ofcourse, if too many morepeople showed up they mightnot have enough food at thefood service, or rooms tospare—which is unlikely.I will see how it goes next yearand if it goes all right, do itagain another year beforeletting someone else take thereins.

by Chris Nothnagel #3402

Planning for Florida 18-22 February 2009

Manley and Elaine have donea fine job with events goingwell and they are to becongratulated for the fineservice that they have donefor IWCS. Manley indicatedthat he was just looking for anew ‘point man’ so that hecould just be a normalvolunteer.During this meeting, for acouple of days thetemperatures went up to near80 degrees, but for most itwas cooler and rainy.When Garry Roux said hewould take on the role ofIWCS President, everybodycheered and let out a sigh ofrelief—especially Art Lee.Thanks to Bob Goddard whogave a nice demo on thelathe. Ted Spangenberg alsogave a nice basket weavingclass that filled the room—wewere tripping over eachother. I gave an antiquefootstool construction classand spoke on mortise andtenon joints. Funnily enough,whoever wrote up my signaccidently wrote MORTISand TENDON joints—so Ijoked about rigor mortis andsore tendons resulting in stiffknees before they left myseminar.The wood auction started inthe pouring rain, which mayhave put a damper on thebidding a bit. However, thenew auctioneer, Bob Winter,did a fabulous job and wehope to get him again forfuture meets.The date we are anticipatingfor next years Floridameeting will be 18-22 Feb,2009.Hope to see you there.


...sorting through the off-cuts by Morris Lake #7634

A couple of weeks ago, during one ofour frequent communications withChuck Holder he excitedly told meabout having just located somesecond hand slim-drawer filingcabinets which were just right for hisspecimen collection—his presentstorage has sort of outgrown itshome. He was re-labelling from theend grain, to the narrow side,because his specimens would now bepresented on their side.It was amazing, because, at the sametime I was also catching up onlabelling my samples—a job that hadgot away from me for a while. Also,as my collection has grown it haschanged how I need to have thempresented so that I can make best useof them. I don’t want to simplycollect and then shove them in a boxand hide them somewhere where Iwon’t keep falling over them. So, Ihad been drawing up plans for a newset of specimen drawers to upgrademy current bulging storage—hemust have read my column in thelast issue, and William Hurkmansarticle—because I was obviouslyalso responding to a subconsciousmessage as a result of those articles.How many of you have done somecollection upgrading recently?If so, it would be great to hear howyou have your specimens stored.Have you stored them by country oforigin, or by alphabet listing byGenus and species, or by Family. It’san interesting topic because each hasits pluses and minuses, and as yourcollection grows and changes in itsdynamics, so does the need to keepupgrading the way you present yourspecimens and I can only imaginehow many different ways you haveall thought up to do that.Food for thought, because TerryBryan’s second article on page 9 ofthis issue shows that for two thirdsof members ‘collecting’ is what wedo. If fact, I’m sure that were we toupdate many of your interests, whichprobably haven’t been changed sinceyou joined, this figure would be

higher. We are a bunch of woodcollectors, be that in many forms.I have also done some seriousthinking about what I will do withmy collection—nothing final as yet,but many ideas still floating around’the latest being that it would befabulous to have a ‘members’specimen collection’ in a locallocation where it could be used byour own group as well as otherinterested groups, and couldcontinue to be expanded in thefuture—with the potential to beAustralia’s greatest—stay tuned.

What’s new

In the May/June issue last year Ispoke about future plans inRevitalising the World of Wood, wellsomething new is happening in thisissue. You may recall that we havejust approved a new deal forCorporate Membership whichbecame effective in February thisyear. Well, part of the newcorporate deal is to bring thesespecial members into a closerassociation with our Society.For example, in return for their$US125 per year, CorporateMembership now offers twoquarter-page ads at 50% off, and20% off additional advertising, aswell as a free placement in theDirectory, plus three copies of theWorld of Wood—which they canassign to anyone they wish. If theybook five ads for the year, they getthe sixth one free.We are proud to announce that RafNathan, who is publisher and LindaNathan, Editor of Australian WoodReview, are new CorporateMembers. Their first ad is on page10 in this issue and also in theDirectory Addendum. Welcomeaboard Raf and Linda.I know there have been comments inthe past that including advertisingin the World of Wood is just taking upspace. Well, firstly we do have acutoff point in content—and wearen’t going to have ads from

General Motors. Secondly, if youthink about who would want toplace an ad in our magazine, they arenot philanthropists for a start, theywill have something to offer ourmembers that will be about wood—and that falls into the category ofenhancing our ability to find outmore, or gather in more knowledgeabout wood—that’s what IWCS is allabout. So, it’s a service to members.I hope you respond to that servicebecause the closer we associate withthose that offer services to us, thestronger we both will be. And, I ampleased that Raf and Linda havejoined us. We did have ads in theWorld of Wood in 1993-95If you know of any individual orcompany that you think could beinterested, then can I suggest thatyou pass the message on to DarylLayton of Boise, Idaho who is theCorporate Membership Coordinator.His address is on page 2 of the Worldof Wood and he will follow thatcontact up.There may also be normal memberswho may from time to time want toadvertise a bit more than we offer inthe Members Requests column. If sothen the following apply.

Rates for a single ad B& W Color

Back page $400 $500Full page $300 $400Half page $150 $200Third page $100 $150Quarter page $75 $100Half column $50 $70Quarter column $25 $40

The World of Wood now goes intosome 35 countries and as a generalrule, IWCS members are fairly wellplaced in the wood game. Theserates are affordable and are designedto encourage those who could profitfrom such a wide and influentialcoverage to use this service.


So you want to make a guitar orother stringed instrument. Soundsgood—lots of craftsmanship, coolwoods, and of course some resultsthat will sound great for years tocome. As you would expect, there isa method and this article will dealwith the selecting, cutting, andsanding of the sides and backs.Guitars require a neck piece, headpiece, fingerboard, 2 back pieces, 2side pieces, a top, and a bridge pieceto hold the strings.Internally there is a fair amount ofbracing to support the top andback—an art form unto itself. Everyguitar manufacturer has his/herown special way of doing that. Thewoods used are ‘tone’ woods,picked for their particular tonalproperties. Some are bright, someare rich, others more lush andsofter.Guitars are made with quartersawnlumber. Flat sawn lumber mayhave more character, butinstruments need the strength andstability that quartersawn woodprovides.There is much available in the super coolamazing woods, even quartersawn, andthe shopping is always an adventure, thekind we like. Martin Guitar has madeover a hundred guitars from PoconoExotic Woods, all quartersawn. Theircustom division is based on this. Nowthere is a gauge of how quartersawnwood is judged for instruments. Withyour board laying flat on the bench,perfect quartersawn is 90 degrees, or thegrain lines strait up off the bench. To beconsidered quartersawn the grain has to

Figured wood for guitars by Tim Clow #8685

be at least 45 degrees, but that is notvery desirable. Any less is consideredrift sawn to flat sawn .Alright, now you have picked theperfect piece for your project. Let thefun begin.Using your highly calibrated, resawband saw, you cut your back pieceand side pieces. We usually cut about50 sets at a time. Sides are usually 4-6"tall by 33-36" long by 0.130-0.145 “.Backs 10” tall by 24-26" long by 0.170-0.180 “. Time to head over to theother shop and take care of thesanding. After about 20 passes perpiece, the skins are complete. Sandedboth sides to “build thickness”, andwithin 0.005" all around.Instrument sets are decided bybookmatching the sides and the backs.Perfectly quartersawn lumber makesthis part easy. No shift in thecharacter or grain which makes lesswaste overall.Alright, now to complete your guitaror other instrument, you will needprofessional training, lots of jigs, andpatience. We provide the woods andraw materials to do the building, but

do not build guitars.After all is said and done, you will have aninstrument that sounds great, looks great anddon’t forget the pride that comes frombuilding it yourself.If I am not exactly correct with thisinformation your responses are welcome.

Tim Clow,President, Pocono Exotic Woods.Phone: 610 863-8201E-mail: [email protected]

Back and side of afinished quitar above.Guitar parts ready forassembly on the left.The bandsaw settingfor the back and frontpieces is shown on theright.


From conversations with members at the FebruarySoutheast Regional Winter Woodfest I learned thatmost were more interested in making items fromwood, rather than in collecting wood specimens,which is the route through which I first encounteredIWCS only last year.Back home in London, from the 2008 MembershipDirectory I checked the descriptions of the variousmember interests, and was amazed. I had notappreciated the full coverage when I joined—and Irealise on this closer reading that I had omitted atleast one of my own wood related interests—also“collecting” encompasses collecting specimens andcollecting crafted items, as well as going into thefield to collect wood.The interests of the 1059 members are recorded as:

1. Wood collecting 683 (64%)2 Wood technology 493 (47%)3. Wood suppliers 175 (17%)4. Wood projects 740 (70%)5. Woodworking techniques 682 (64%)6. Other wood interests 141 (13%)7. Teaching, etc. 89 (8%)

What did I observe?• The area with the most interest is woodworking

projects.• The same proportion of members is interested in

collecting as is interested in woodworkingtechniques—but they are not always the samepeople.

• Many members are interested in projects ortechniques without being interested incollecting.

Also I was struck by the number of members withonly one listed interest, so I went back and notedthat they total 182 or 1.7%The interests of the 182 members with only oneinterest.

1. Wood collecting 822. Wood technology 153. Wood suppliers 74. Wood projects 395. Woodworking techniques 336. Other wood interests 27. Teaching etc. 4

I was fascinated to discover at the SoutheastRegional Winter Woodfest how wide and variedwas the members’ enthusiasm for all things relatedto wood, and that is reinforced by this analysis.Many of you have known for a long time, of course,what a great Society we have! But as a newcomer,

I am amazed, and I am struck by the range andcombination of interests.My previous experience has been in internet groups—particularly Yahoo ones—and the thing that struck meabout those was how parochial and limited they areabout the specific subject they represent. For example;only carving, or only turning, etc., and how othermembers and the moderators complain about any moveaway from that specific subject. And, of course, thecorrespondence within such groups inevitably has alimited range.On the other hand, as this IWCS analysis shows, ourinterest is broad and wide ranging. The interests are allin wood, and things related to wood or made of wood—from trees onwards—and I encountered this range ofinterest in full measure at the Woodfest—and wassomewhat surprised by that—given my introduction toIWCS and previous limited understanding of itscoverage. However, I was encouraged and delighted atthat time by that encounter and wider understanding.After all the analysis and a wider understanding of theIWCS coverage, as I sit with my displayed collection ofwood specimens, and books about wood and trees, andcarve with new tools, I can better understand who cansupply the raw material, the means of dealing with it,including example, information and advice. So, here I sitwith new enthusiasm, preparing articles for World ofWood, surrounded by wood and tools specific to my craftof making dolls house and miniatures projects—anddelighted, comforted and amused to know that all ofthose aspects of my enthusiasm for, and with wood, anda lot more, falls within the scope of this Society, orgroup—or collection— of wood enthusiasts.I look forward to reading and learning a lot more acrossthe range of wood enthusiasts in the future. In themeantime I shall continue with my interest in... but that’sanother story.

What an interesting lot we are! by Terry Bryan #9128

Visit a Tropical ForestSpend a week getting acquainted with tropical

forests and Mayan ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula ofMexico.

I’ll be your guide and I know the various habitats and trees.Share our beachside condo (your own private bedroom and

bath) in Cancun. This is our 18th year of hosting IWCSmembers and spouses, with visitors from The Netherlands,

Taiwan, Italy, and the USA.Contact us for details. Alan & Mary Ann Curtis.

Phone: 541-345-2571.E-mail: [email protected]


In 1824 Thomas Jefferson designedthe gardens at the University ofVirginia (UVA) and put up thegarden walls next to cottages thatwould house the first University’sProfessors. His idea was that gardensand contemplation would go hand inhand with education. In 1825 GeorgeTucker was one of the firstUniversity Professors to teach at theUniversity of Virginia. He resided inthe cottage next to Pavilion IX andwas given the freedom to plant whatever he wanted in Mr. Jefferson’sgarden. He chose flowers, shrubsand one ash tree. In the 1840’s

made of walnut veneer embedded inthe ash wood. The legs were copiedfrom the shape of the marble balustersfrom the Rotunda facing the WestLawn. The rest of the wood went tolocal woodworkers, one of therecipients was Woody Combo ofBremo Bluff Virginia, who attended aVirginia IWCS meeting in 2004 wherehe donated a specimen of this wood tothe auction. I was the highest bidderand so began this investigation.A sapling cut from the cutoff trunkhas now been replanted in garden IX,which is the original spot inJefferson’s garden.

The McGuffey Ash by Chriss Nothnagel #3402

Chriss Nothnagle standing beside the clone ofthe famous McGuffey Ash in Thomas

Jefferson’s garden University of Virginia.

Different viewsof the ash.

Professor WilliamMcGuffey started a longtenure with the Universityand brought the eyes of thenation on UVA with thepublication and nationaldistribution of the childrensbook The McGuffey Reader.Over 100 million books wereprinted and it became astandard text book used allover the country. It isbelieved he would ‘test hisstories’ while standingunder this ash tree todetermine if they were to beused for publication. Afterhe passed away, theUniversity named the ash tree “TheMcGuffey Ash”.The tree grew well and dominatedthe garden for years however, in1949 it was hit by lightning andbecame disfigured, but continuedto stand till taken down in 1989.The University officialscommissioned the main body of thetrunk to be made into a specialtable that would reside in an areaon campus near the garden. Thistable, constructed in 1995, is now inthe office of Don Sunguard onLeekes Ave in the facilitiesManagement building on UVAcampus. It has flowers and a tree


I chose to keep my wood specimens in astylised form of an echidna. Not manyof you may know what an echidna is.The echidna is a very ancient Australianmammal—not particularly cuddly, butattractive all the same— which grows toabout 20 inches long, including its longthin snout. If you ever encounter one,its presence is immediately obvious inthat it is covered with very tough andsharp spines, which are 3 -4 inches long.They also have very sharp claws whichthey use to rip up termite nests in orderto feast on the ants and the lavae. Theyare one Australian mammal that youshould not try to pick up—just let themgo on their way. If there is no clearescape route when you find them, theywill curl up to become a spinyimpenetrable ball, and at the same timestart digging themselves into theground, dissapearing under a pile of dirtin a matter of minutes if the soil is softenough. Without this mechanism, theywould more than likely be extinct bynow, as are most of their relatives.The echidna, along with the platypus,are the only egg-laying mammals, andare known as monotremes. The femalelays a single soft-shelled, leathery eggand deposits it directly into her pouch.After hatching, the young echidna—

Echidna specimens mounted on A4 sheetsand than inserted into a ring binder for

display and easy storage.

Coasters with echidna inserts.

My Echidna wood collection Les Loffler #9067

called a puggle— sucks milkfrom the pores of the two milkpatches and remains in thepouch until it starts to developspines, at which time themother—quite sensibly— digs anursery burrow and deposits thepuggle in it, returning every fivedays to suckle it until it isweaned at seven months.My wood collection currentlycontains 312 scroll-sawn echidnaspecimens which I displayed atthe last Australasian AnnualMeeting at Neerim and attracteda great deal of interest.One of the main reasons fordoing my collection in thisway—besides my attraction tothe echidna— is that thespecimens don’t take up muchroom and if inserted into acoaster-sized surround, showoff any interesting woodcharacteristics, as seen here.The top photo shows a stonepine (Pinus pinea) coaster with acoastal banksia (Banksiaintegrifolia) echidna, while thebottom is the reverse—aninteresting contrast.As a collection, I have mountedmy echidnae on display sheetswhich are then placed in a ringfolder. They are easy to storeand transport and providesufficient detail foridentification.They offer interest and areuniquely Australian in character.

Individually, the echidna specimens are unique.


Here is some information aboutthe upcoming InternationalWoodfest to be held at HockingCollege, Nelsonville, Ohio, 27-31 August, 2008.

WednesdayWednesday is check-in andopen jam with the Pinter’s.Bring your instruments andfeel free to join in.

ThursdayThursday and Friday, there willbe two sawmills running allday custom cutting a variety ofOhio woods—also, a basketweaving class will be offeredon both days.Thursday, there will be a fieldtrip to a local working sawmill.In the evening, the localbluegrass band “Home Remedy”will perform their original Ohiosongs.

Update on the IWCS International Woodfest - Hocking College, Nelsonville, Ohio

by Mark Johnson #4682

FridayBesides the sawmills and the basketweaving, in the morning. TheHocking Valley Scenic Railway willoffer a train ride from the college toLogan and back.In the afternoon, a field trip toBirdsong Farm and green tree swamp.This swamp was created in 1840 whenthe Hocking Canal Company dammedthe area as part of the canal system.In the evening, an event called “FinalFridays” in Nelsonville where localartists market their works at thepublic square.

SaturdaySaturday, will be the wood and craftauctions. Also, Robin’s Crossing, ahistorical village on the collegegrounds will be open for visiting.There are ten working cabinsincluding a general store, andblacksmith shop.Sign up sheet will be available at thewelcome table.

Other activitiesOther activities are alsoavailable. In Logan, there is theColumbus Washboard Factory,one of the last companies in theU.S. that still manufactureswooden washboards. They areopen for tours daily. Also inLogan, is Logan Clay, theymanufacture red clay tile, pipe,and lawn ornaments. Thesurrounding area includesWayne Forest and the HockingHills State Park System. Hikerswould enjoy seeing Ash Cave,Cantwell Cliffs, Cedar Falls andthe other natural wonders. Allareas are handicap accessible.

Any questions, or if you haveand suggestions, please call: Mark Johnson, 1-740-689-0722.

Mary Flynn, 3975 HL—a friend we will missby Chuck & Mary Holder #5749Many IWCS members will miss the gentle hand, friendlinessand support of Mary Flynn, of Vienna, Virginia. She passedaway on Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008 after a fairly longperiod of illness. Anyone who has ever met Mary will realizethe tower of strength that she was in support of all the writingand research work Jim Flynn has done for IWCS over the years.She always enjoyed Jim’s affiliations with the several wonderfulorganizations that Jim belonged to and the folks that constitutedthem. In particular, she enjoyed immensely their connection toIWCS. She read most of the messages that came in to Jim andoffered helpful comments and suggestions at his request. Marywas a wonderful companion to Jim all their life together. Maythe Good Lord save a special place for Mary Flynn and bringpeace to Jim through the many loving memories they shared.The thoughts and prayers of the IWCS members that knew Jimand Mary are with Jim and the family at this difficult time.

Tom Gersonby Myrt and Bill Cockrell #4654One of the sad situations of being Secretary/Treasurer of IWCS is when we receive obituariesof some of our supporting and loving members.As I opened the mail, I found a letter fromDorothy Gerson, surviving widow of Tom Gersonof Stillwater, Minnesota. Inside was an obituarywhich noted the death of Tom Gerson on April17, 2008. Tom joined IWCS in February 1972. Hewas awarded Honorary Life Membership August1993. We remember Tom and Dorothy frommany earlier meetings. He was a master woodworker and a generous contributor of manybeautiful wooden items that he made from hisHobby Shop. Auction proceeds were contributedto the IWCS Endowment Fund. Currently hisname leads all the rest.

Tributes to departed members


REGISTRATION2008 IWCS International Woodfest

The IWCS International Woodfest will be held August 27-31, 2008 at Hocking College.The College is located in Nelsonville, Ohio (Web site: www.hocking.edu)

Registration received after July 1 will incur an additional $10.00 per person charge.

Please print all information clearly:

Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IWCS# . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Spouse/Family: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IWCS# . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

City/State/Zip: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Country: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phone/Cell # . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Email address : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NOTE: You must be a member of IWCS. Membership is available at any time.

Lodging: All rooms will be in the new student housing units on campus. Room rate is $25.00 per night per person fordouble occupancy.

Camping: Camping is available on the college campus. There are 125 spaces with power/water. Primitive camping isalso available. Spaces are $11.00 per night.

Meals: Meals will be prepared by Bookman’s Food Service. Complete meal packages are available.

Package #1 Dorm room (double occupancy) 4 nights(includes registration fee) # of persons . . . . . . . x $130.00 = $ . . . . . . . . .Wednesday dinner through Sunday breakfast # of persons . . . . . . . x $90.00 = $ . . . . . . . . .Saturday night banquet # of persons . . . . . . . x $16.50 = $ . . . . . . . . .

Package #2 Dorm room (double occupancy) 3 nights # of persons . . . . . . . x $105.00 = $ . . . . . . . .(includes registration fee)Thursday lunch through Sunday breakfast # of persons . . . . . . . . x $78.50 = $ . . . . . . . .Saturday night banquet # of persons . . . . . . . . x $16.50 = $ . . . . . . . .

Package #3 Dorm room (double occupancy) 2 nights # of persons . . . . . . . . x $80.00 = $ . . . . . . . .(includes registration fee)Friday lunch through Sunday breakfast # of persons . . . . . . . . x $54.00 = $ . . . . . . . .Saturday night banquet # of persons . . . . . . . . x $16.50 = $ . . . . . . . .

Package #4 Dorm room (double occupancy) 1 night # of persons . . . . . . . . x $55.00 = $ . . . . . . . .(includes registration fee)Saturday lunch through Sunday breakfast # of persons . . . . . . . . x $25.50 = $ . . . . . . . .Saturday night banquet # of persons . . . . . . . . . x $16.50 = $ . . . . . . . .

Refund policy: $5 service fee per person prior to August 1. After August 1 fee is pro-rated.

If you do not want a special package, fill out the section below. Commuters – Campers – ADP - Guests

You must register through normal registration process and will be charged per person for a registration fee of $30.00 anda $6.00 per day site fee, plus meals.

Commuter, guest or RV registration fee # of persons . . . . . . . . . x $30.00 = $ . . . . . . . . . . .Commuter, guest or RV Insurance # of persons . . . . . . . . . x $6.00 = $ . . . . . . . . . . .Camping # of nights . . . . . . . . . x $11.00 = $ . . . . . . . . . . .

Specify number of meals requested. Meals may not be available if not pre-registered.

Wednesday Supper . . . . . . . Total Breakfasts . . . . . . x $6.50 . . . . . . . .Thursday Breakfast . . . . . . . Lunch . . . . . . . Supper . . . . . . Total Lunches . . . . . . x $8.50 . . . . . . . .Friday Breakfast . . . . . . . Lunch . . . . . . . Supper . . . . . . . Total Suppers . . . . . . x $12.50 . . . . . . . .Saturday Breakfast . . . . . . . Lunch . . . . . . . Banquet . . . . . . . Total Banquets . . . . . . . x $16.50 . . . . . . .Sunday Breakfast . . . . . . .

Make checks payable to: Hocking College, 3301 Hocking Parkway, Nelsonville, OH 45764, Atten: Office of College Relations.Any questions, please call Mark Johnson, 740/689-0722.


In the 1970s, when I was a youngmother of six children, I discoveredthe crafts of weaving, hand spinning,and natural dyeing. My husbandwas an avid wood turner and wewere members of IWCS, so it waslogical to experiment with makingdye from the wood shavings andchips on the floor under his lathe. Tomy delight I produced many richcolors dyeing wool and yarn.

Procedures for Dyeing Wool and YarnIn the beginning, I was usingmordants of tin (stannous chloride),chrome (potassium dichromate,which is a skin cancer agent andshould be used with great care), andalum to treat unspun wool fibers andyarns before dyeing. Each of thesethree different mordants act on thefibers to be dyed in a different way,so one dye can yield three differentcolors.

Mordants are also valuable to usewith most dyes as they help setthe colors and make the dyedmaterials more color-fast. Nowthat I live in the country, I onlyuse alum, because I do not have ahood and exhaust system over mystove, or any safe place to disposeof the used dye liquids withoutchancing pollution in my well.You may refer to books aboutnatural dyeing or the internet forinformation about how thesemordants and others, such ascopper and iron, can be used fordyeing.For my experiments, I found itquick and easy to boil small

amounts of wood chips in a stainlesssteel pan (used only for that!) withthree bits of wool, each having beentreated with a different mordant (tin,chrome, or alum). The bits of woolwere fastened into a short piece ofold nylon stocking to keep themfrom becoming tangled up with thewood chips. If this yielded strongcolor, I would experiment withlarger amounts of wood and wool.Boiling this larger quantity of chips

About the AuthorJoyce’s loveof trees andinterest inIWCS hasnotchangedover thepast forty years. She islooking forward to August2008 when the next annualmeeting will be in Ohioabout 8 miles from herhome. During the meeting,Joyce will have a displaytable and a field trip hasbeen planned to herhistorical home and farm.She would be happy totalk to anyone interestedin this fascinating subjectat that time.Photos taken by LindaChakeres.

Exploring . . . Dyeing Wool and Yarn with Wood Chips

would be done in abig stainless steelor porcelain kettle,until it seemed tobe a strong dye.The dye liquidthen needs to cool,and all of the woodchips need to bestrained out. Thematerial to be dyedis added to coolwater and thetemperature isslowly brought upnear the boilingpoint. Differentlengths of time andtemperatures inthe dye pot, as wellas another tree ofthe same species,might yield adifferent color.Nothing isguaranteed innatural dyeing, and repeating the sameexperiment a week later might give slightlydifferent results.There are two main actions that will mat, orfelt, wool fibers. These should be consideredwhen dyeing most animal fibers:1. A thermal shock such as changing the

temperature of the dye or rinse waterquickly with wool or yarn in it; and

2. Too much agitation, such as stirring thewool in thedye pot toovigorously orrubbing thewool or yarn.

Keep in mind thatit is better to liftthe wool or yarnup above the dye,and then stir thedye in the pot. Itis easier to avoida matted messthan to try toseparate yarnstrands or fibersafter they havebecome felted.

by Joyce Miller #2994

Picture 1. This displays 20colors of dyed wool, the variedresults of using five types ofwood and four choices ofmordant. From top to bottom,each of the five lines representsone wood: apple, breadnut,sassafras, tanguile, and pinkperoba. From left to right, thedye baths are: tin mordant,alum mordant, chromemordant, and no mordant.

Picture 2. This shows thestrong dyes from smoke treeand blackwood, each with

three samples treated with tin,alum, or chrome. On top, thethree smoke tree samples are

quite different, while the threedyed with blackwood show

very little difference.

Picture 3 shows some resultswith purpleheart.


It has always been extremelyimportant for me to keep records ofall of my experiments and projectsbig and small, as there is no limit towhat might be possible. Successfulprocedures and results can then berepeated or modified, as well asadditional problems avoided.Consider historical information, andinformation from books asinteresting possibilities, but knowthat you may discover variationsthat will be even more wonderful,when you experiment on your own.

Rich Results from Dyeing

Because of the variation of each dyepot (time, temperature, amount ofdye stuff, etc.), it is nearly impossibleto achieve exactly the same color a

second time. When Iwanted enough yarn of thesame color (dyed withwalnuts) to weave enoughyards of material for atailor to make a suit for myhusband, I figured out away to solve the problem. Iboiled ten separate pots ofwalnuts and put theresulting dye liquids into abig trash can. I could thentake measured amounts ofliquid dye out of the trashcan to dye equal weightsof yarn. If you take thisapproach, remember to stirthe dye in the trash caneach time before taking outthe dye.Maple trees bright autumn colorsfooled me because I could not getany interesting color from maplewood or leaves, only from an oldmaple burl. Birch wood chips didnot give useful dye, but birch leaves,after they fell in the autumn, gaveme a pleasing and long lastingyellow-gold color. Another surprisewas from ebony wood chips whichdid not give any color; indeed,ebony was the only wood, out ofliterally hundreds that I haveexperimented with, to bleach all ofthe color out of the nylon stockingcontaining the wool.Some of my results using differenttechniques are shown opposite.Picture 1 displays 20 colors of dyedwool, the varied results of using fivetypes of wood and four choices ofmordant. Picture 2 shows the strongdyes from smoke tree andblackwoodPurpleheart chips provided anothersurprise as seen in Picture 3. Whenfirst dyed, it came out the expectedpinky/purple color (brighter orstronger depending on the ratio ofwool to chips), but after being in adark cupboard, this color turnedinto almost a green from oxidation.Then it became really dark, almostblack, after a year, which makes mewonder if there would be a naturalmordant in the wood. A chemist

might have fun figuring out whythese unexpected changes happenwhen using wood for dye.I have always been interested in howlong dye colors will last. They can allbe rinsed in water until the rinsewater is clear, but not all will hold upto prolonged exposure to brightlight. To test them, keep some fibersor yarn in bright light and some outof the light, so you can discover themost lasting dyes from wood to use.Since dyeing is a labor intensivecraft, it seems like a waste of time towork with something that will notlast. In general, I have found dyesfrom many woods last longer than

Picture 4 shows unspun wool dyed withlogwood.

Picture 5 shows the range ofcolors from pink ivory.

Picture 6 show my experiments with Brazilwoodwhere the purples colors resulted from a chrome

mordant, pinks from an alum mordant, and orangefrom a tin mordant. (The long fibers in the center are

mohair goat.)

Picture 7 shows even brighter resultsfrom Brazilwood.

Continued over page.


dyes from some plants. While dyesfrom berries may give red and blues,they do not seem colorfast for long.Could it be that the tannin in somewoods helps those colors last longerthan some colors from berries,flowers, and plants? There arealways exceptions, as many plantswith a natural mordant in them areextremely colorfast.Reds and blues are difficult colors toget from natural dyes from plants,with most plants yielding yellows,tans, and browns. The same oftencan be said for wood, but you willfind many thrilling exceptions.Picture 4 shows unspun wool dyedwith logwood. Even this photo doesnot do the rich colors justice. Theblue color comes from chromemordant, the purples from alummordant, and the grays from tinmordant.A range of colors from pink ivorysawdust and chips (given to me byIWCS Member Jim Langdon inSeattle, WA) are shown in Picture 5.For this, I also varied the types ofwool used in one dye bath, withtraditional sheep wool, mohair goatfibers (center), and yarn spun fromsilk fibers (bottom left) shown in the

photo. I also observed that thesecolors became brighter with age.My experiments with Brazilwoodwere quite surprising. When usingless than a half cup of wood chips incold water, the water turned pink orred as soon as the wood chips wereput in! Picture 6 shows these resultswhere the purples colors resultedfrom a chrome mordant, pinks froman alum mordant, and orange froma tin mordant. (The long fibers in thecenter are mohair goat.) Picture 7shows even brighter results fromBrazilwood. In this experiment, thefirst dye bath was boiled and did notgive true reds, but tans and yellowcolors. The second dye bath did notboil and yielded much brighter reds!Again, the purple colors resultedfrom chrome mordant, reds fromalum, and the tans and light colorsfrom tin mordant.There is no end to the possibilitiesfor experimentation. Different partsof trees best for dye (leaves, bark,roots, wood chips) seem to bedifferent with different species oftrees. The age of the tree can alsomake a difference, as does the soiland the climate where the treegrows. Some of the oddities I

discovered by accident, like thosefrom ebony and purpleheart, wouldmake for more interesting research,but I am leaving that to someoneelse, as I have switched my art formsfrom weaving, spinning, and naturaldyeing to making paper and limitededition books. Dyeing paper,however, will be the subject of asubsequent article for this Exploring .. . series.For Further ReadingWorld of Wood, vol. 58, no. 6 has veryinteresting information on dyes fromwood submitted by WilliamHurkmans (#8761). He relatesimportant historical information aswell as processes he has used to dyewoods that are quite different thanwhat I have used to dye wool andpaper pulp. I would like towholeheartedly endorse hiscomments about safety and his“Disclaimer” printed there.Many of my favorite dye books areout of print, but I can suggest NaturalDyeing by Jackie Crook, published byLark in 2007. The amounts ofmordants listed are a bit differentthan what I used, but it can be agood place to start.

IWCS President Art Lee announcesthe appointment of Les Campbell,#8624, to the position of StudentMembership Coordinator as ofMay 1, 2008. Les will beresponsible for getting the wordout to prospective StudentMembers about the benefits ofmembership in IWCS. Les retiredfrom a teaching career of 38 yearsin 2005 and is an avid wood turner,admirer and student of wood andan enthusiastic booster of IWCS.Les will concentrate initially oncontacting students through theirprograms at schools, colleges,universities and other educational

Les Campbell appointed IWCS Student Membership Coordinator

institutions that offer courses inwood technology, woodworking,forestry, dendrology and relateddisciplines. Members who are awareof such programs, or even individualstudents in them, who may beinterested in wood and what IWCShas to offer, are asked to providecontact names and addresses to Les.He can be contacted via postal mail,telephone or e-mail at:Les Campbell,319 S 280 W, Orem,UT 84058, USAPhone: 801-224-8876E-mail: [email protected]


This year the three year terms of thetrustees for the US Great Lakes theUS Southwest Regions expire. It ishard to believe that three years havepassed since Bob Nunan (US GreatLakes) and Bill Tarleton (US SW)were elected as Trustees for theirrespective regions, but it is that timeagain to find a successor for them.This is a call to members in theseregions to consider participating inthe governance of IWCS by allowingtheir name to stand for election asTrustee for their region for a threeyear term, beginning October 1,2008. If you are interested inrunning for trustee for your region,or if you gain permission fromanother member to allow his or hername to stand, please present thename of prospective candidates toyour regional trustee no later thanJune 30, 2008, along with a briefbiography of the candidate. If youare not sure what region you are in,see the inside front cover of the 2008IWCS Membership Directory.Acting as trustee for IWCS is a goodway to participate in guiding thefuture growth and development ofIWCS as an organization. It is also agood way to give back to theorganization for benefits that youmay have received as a member.IWCS is your society, it is oursociety, and its future health andsuccess depends on the willingnessof all members to participate in itsgovernance. Please seriouslyconsider allowing your name tostand for election as a trustee inyour region, and ACT before June30, 2008.The names and a brief biography ofall trustee candidates in theseregions will be published in theJuly/August issue of the World ofWood and elections in contestedregions will take place the summerof 2008.Following are the Role andResponsibilities of an IWCSRegional Trustee.

US Great Lakes & US Southwest Regions - Call for Trustee Candidates: 2008

Regional Trustee’s RoleThe primary role of a RegionalTrustee of the IWCS is to representindividual members from theTrustee’s region on the Board ofTrustees. The Regional Trustee shallact to further the goals of the IWCSand to establish policy with othermembers of the Board in all mattersconcerning the Society.

Regional Trustee’s ResponsibilitiesThe responsibilities of a RegionalTrustee shall include, but not belimited to, the following:1.0 Promote good governance,

leadership and soundmanagement for the Society,including fiscal responsibility,ethical practice, and democraticdecision-making.

2.0 Communicate with regionalmembers on any mattersconcerning IWCS. Encourage anactive and healthy regionalmembership by suchcommunication.

2.1 Bring regional membershipconcerns to the attention of theOfficers and the Board ofTrustees, and communicate Boardpolicy and decisions to regionalmembership.

2.2 Address regional problems andsettle disputes as they arise.

3.0 Encourage sponsorship of IWCSmeetings and events at local,regional and international levelsby deeds and words.

4.0 Personally attend any meetingspossible.

5.0 Act as an ambassador of IWCS tosociety-at-large. Communicatethe goals and objectives of IWCSto the larger community.Encourage new membership.Disseminate information on thebenefits of membership in IWCS.

6.0 Make an annual written report ofactivity in the region to the IWCSPresident, to be presented at theannual Board of Trustee’smeeting.

6.1 The following should be includedin each Regional Trustee’s annualreport:

a. Highlights and achievements ofRegion activity for the past year.

b. Plans for Region activity theupcoming year.

c. Report on Region membershiptrends and any specific plans toincrease membership in theregion.

d. Report on new member contactsmade during the year and anyreimbursable costs associatedwith those contacts.

7.0 Advise the Editor of any plannedmeetings so notice of such can beprinted in the World of Wood.

8.0 Be available and willing tovolunteer for standing jobswithin the Society to eliminatethe need for additionalbureaucracy.

9.0 Strive to appoint state orprovincial representatives wherepractical.

9.1 To assist the Regional Trustee inhis/her duties.

9.2 To provide a local person formore direct contact with localmembership.

9.3 To become familiar with theproceedings of the Society

10.0 To secure a list of candidates tostand for election to succeed theRegional Trustee when his/herterm expires.

11.0 Personally contact all newmembers that join the IWCS inthe trustee’s respective region.Contact may be in person, byphone, mail, e-mail or any othermethod the Trustee chooses.Contact will be as soon aspractical after the Trusteebecomes aware of the newmember.

12.0 Perform any other duties asrequested by the IWCS President.

by Chuck Holder #5749


A Deciduous HardwoodFagaceae - The Beech Family

Derivation of the genus name,Quercus, is from the classical Latinname for oaks–taken from theCeltic words for fine and tree. Theepithet, prinus, is from the Greekmeaning “I burn.” A synonym isQ. montana, Willd., and that epithetis from the Latin for montane ormountainous. There isdisagreement among taxonomistsas to which epithet should be usedfor chestnut oak.The trees thought to have firstappeared as oaks in what is nowThailand about 60 million yearsago have evolved into a genus of,arguably, as many as 500 trees andshrubs worldwide. Except for afew species isolated in highmountains of the tropics, all arelocated in the NorthernHemisphere. Of the approximately200 oaks native to North America,58 are found in the United States,including 10 also native to Canada.As many as 130 species of oak arefound in the mountains of northernMexico. The numbers andconfusion is certainly increased bytheir many hybrids.The true oaks of the world aregenerally “simplified” by dividingthem into two groups with similarcharacteristics. The White OakGroup (Leucobalanus) includes thechestnut, chinkapin, burr and liveoaks. The Red Oak Group(Erythrobalanus) includes the pin,black and willow oaks. The whiteoak group is older.The chestnut oak (Quercus prinus),also called basket oak, cow oak,rock chestnut oak, rock oak,mountain oak or tanbark oak hasan irregular native range, mostly inthe U.S. It extends from southernMaine west across the Hudson

by Ron DeWitt #6037-SChestnut Oak (Quercus prinus) L.Valley into southern Ontario inCanada and further west, just intoMichigan, then southward intoMississippi. The range then extendseastward across South Carolina intocentral North Carolina avoiding thecoastal plain, on northward untilcrossing the Chesapeake, thenserving all of Delaware and NewJersey and on north over coastalMassachusetts.Chestnut oak locates in a variety ofsoil conditions, but mostly on dryupland sites in well-drained sand,gravel or rock. It prefers south- orwest-facing ridges or upper slopes,but it grows from sea level in coastalNew England to 4000 ft. (1400 m) inthe southern Appalachians. Averagerainfall over most of its range is 40 to48 in. (102 to 122 cm). Best growingareas are in the mountains of theCarolinas and Tennessee, and here itwas considered the most valuable ofthe oaks.Chestnut oak may be found in purestands but usually associates with awide variety of highly competitivetree species. Depending on habitat,these associates may include a widevariety of oaks (Q. spp), hickories(Carya spp), pines (Pinus spp), severalmaples (Acer spp), black cherry(Prunus serotina), yellow-poplar(Liriodendron tulipifera), etc. It is ableto maintain its position in thesediverse woodlands for severalreasons. It tolerates competition verywell, it is moderately free of diseasesand insect damage, and a highpercentage of this oak’s reproductioncomes from root sprouts.This oak is considered a medium-size, long-lived tree, typicallyreaching a height of 65 to 80 ft. (20 to24 m) and 20 to 30 in (51 to 76 cm)dbh. Maximum size tends to be 100ft. (30.5 m) tall and 6 ft. (183 cm) dbh,but trees to 140 ft. (43 m) have beenreported. Trees mature in 125 years

and may live 200 to 300 years. TheWashington Oak, a very large chestnutoak seen along the Hudson River yearsago, was estimated to have been 800 to1000 years old. The current (2003) recordholder in the U.S., listed in The NationalRegister of Big Trees, is 99 ft. (30 m) by 7.25ft. (2.2 m) dbh, located in Arnold,Maryland.Open grown trees or trees on poor sitesare usually branched low on crookedstems. In more favorable locations theytend toward clear, straight stems withbroad, open, irregular crowns. Leaves ofthe chestnut oak are quite variable in sizeand shape, typically 4 to 8 in. (10 to 20cm) long and 2 to 4 in. (5 to 10 cm) wide,elliptical and wider beyond the middle,gradually narrowing to the base. Leafedges are wavy with 10 to 16 roundedteeth along each side. Leaves are shinygreen above, dull gray-green and lightlyhairy below. Leaves hang curtain-like,more concentrated on outer branches andtoward the tree top. Like all oaks, theleaves are placed alternately along thetwigs. Based on leaves alone, the treecould be mistaken for an Americanchestnut (Castanea dentata).The oaks are monoecious–each treepossessing both female and male sexualparts. The fruit of the oaks are acorns. Inthis case they’re 1 to 1.5 in. (2.5 to 3 cm)long, stoutly egg shaped and encased forabout one third to one half their length ina rough, warty cap. Acorns mature at the


end of their first year, becoming alustrous chestnut-brown in autumn.The tree produces its first acorns atabout age 20, but acorn production isirregular with good crops occurringonly once every 4 to 5 years. This oaktends to hybridize with many of theoaks it associates with.Twigs of chestnut oak are green, tingedwith purple or bronze when young,darkening with age to shades of gray.Bark matures from smooth to rough tothick and very coarse, becomingdeeply furrowed into v-shaped ridges,a prominent distinguishing feature.The wood of the chestnut oak isclassified as ring-porous. Earlywood iscomposed of a single row of large,round, solitary pores, clearly visible tothe naked eye. Tyloses are plentiful inthe earlywood of the heartwood.Latewood pores are thin-walled, verysmall, numerous and indistinct with ahand lens. These pores rangeoutwardly across the latewood inradial flame-like arrays. Growth ringboundaries are easily noted unless thetree grew very slowly. The relativelytall rays are quite uniform in two sizes:large, conspicuous and visible to thenaked eye, or small and just visiblewith a hand lens. The woods of thevarious oaks in the white oak groupcannot be separated with certainty.

The narrow sapwood is light tan.Heartwood may be a rich light to darkbrown. Transition from sapwood toheartwood is not well defined. Thewood is considered very heavy, hard,strong and durable. Average sp. gr. isabout 0.67 and it weighs about 45 pcf(721 kg/m3) at 12% M.C., quite similarto white oak but a little heavier thannorthern red oak (Q. rubra). It is quitestable in service.Chestnut oak dries slowly with a greatdesire to warp and check. End sealingis important and air drying must bedone with care. As is typical of theoaks, this wood is easily stained bycontact with iron. The wood has nodistinguishing odor when dry butleaves a slightly bitter taste. It isusually straight grained with amoderately fine texture. Like whiteoak, it has a quite pleasant figure fromthe ray effect in quarter-sawn lumber.Except in its better growing areas,chestnut oak does not usually producemuch long, straight lumber.Chestnut oak is readily worked withpower tools to produce smoothsurfaces and crisp edges. Hand toolsrequire more effort and care and mustbe very sharp. The wood has somedulling effect on cutting edges. Gluingcalls for good adhesives and carefulcontrol. Fasteners hold very well, but

pre-drilling is necessary tominimize an inclination to splitalong ray lines. This is an excellentsteam-bending wood. Stains, oil orvarnish work very well but thoselarge pores require filling to getsmooth finished surfaces. Itpolishes to a nice patina.The high tannic acid content inchestnut oak, especially in thebark, twigs and leaves but insignificant quantity in the wood,results in toxicity causing eye, skin,lung and nasal passage problems.Appropriate precautions are welladvised when working with thismaterial, green or dry.The sweet acorn meat of thechestnut oak supports a widevariety of wildlife. It was also an

important food source for native andearly Americans and their livestock,especially their pigs. Inner barkdecoctions treated their wounds aswell as common ailments like diarrhea,fever, sore throat, consumption, ulcersand sore eyes. Here, too, the activecomponent was tannic acid.Because chestnut oak and white oakare similar in many properties, usesare often similar, but the higher tannincontent (from polyphenols) of theinner bark of chestnut oak placed it inhigh demand for leather tanning. (Theword tan is derived from the Latin foroak bark.) Through the first quarter ofthe Twentieth Century, great numbersof these trees, along with easternhemlock (Tsuga canadensis) were cut foronly their bark, almost liquidating thechestnut oak from North America. Attimes millions of board feet of strippedtrees lay decaying on eastern forestfloors.The closed pores in chestnut oakproduce barrels impermeable to storedliquids, e.g. water, spirits, molasses.An added benefit of the ubiquitoustannins is that they interact withageing wines, especially reds,improving their quality and character.Where it is available, chestnut oak isselected for strength, hardness,resilience and durability. Split innerbark is still used for woven chair seatsand baskets. It is used for railroadcrossties, fence posts, shingles, boatbuilding, barn beams, bridges andfarm equipment. Large quantities gointo furniture, cabinets, caskets andsteam-bent items. The attractivequarter-sawn figure makes it popularfor plywood, veneer, flooring andgeneral millwork. Off-quality stuffgoes for charcoal, pallets and excellentfirewood.Today the chestnut oak is stillrecovering (This oak is on thethreatened species lists for Maine andIllinois.), but supplies are good. Rarelysold as chestnut oak or rock oak, it isusually mixed with white oak andothers of the white oak group and soldas “white oak,” selling, in thenortheast, for less than red oak.


Bids Due By June 25, 2008I invite IWCS members to take alook at the accompanying list ofdonations for the 33rd All-MailAuction and submit bids on thisyear’s unique mix of specimens,crafts, and woods donated bymembers.

Bidding

The minimum bid for any item is$5.00 unless otherwise noted in thedescription of that item. Bids abovethat amount should be in wholedollar amounts in U.S. currency, e.g.,$9.00, $21.00, etc.Bids should reach me by June 25,2008. You may mail or e-mail yourbids to me; however, if you have anInternet account, I would prefer toreceive bids via e-mail. It’s fast andeasy, and not only saves on postage,but also paper, envelopes, and tripsto the post office. E-mail me [email protected] and use asubject line of “all-mail auction” inyour e-mail. Or, send your bids toArthur Brennan, 896 Penn ViewRoad, Blairsville, PA 15717.In forwarding your bids to me,please include the number of theitem(s) you are bidding on (e.g.,S001, W003, etc.), the amount youare bidding for each item, yourname, your membership number, aswell as your return e-mail or mailaddress.You may bid on as many items asyou like, but you can submit onlyone bid amount for any particularitem. Whoever submits the highestbid on an item will receive that item.In the event of a tie, the earliest bidreceived by me will prevail.

Notification of successful bids;payments for items, postageI will notify the bidders of the resultsof the bidding by June 30, 2008.After the winning bidder receivesnotification from me, the successfulbidders should forward paymentexpeditiously to IWCS Secretary/

All-Mail Auction — by Art Brennan #6663

Treasurer William Cockrell, 2300West Rangeline Road, Greencastle,IN 46135-7875. You may pay bycheck or money order in U.S. funds,made out to the IWCS.Alternatively, you may pay by Visaor Master Card; identify the creditcard you are using and provide thecard number, the expiration date,and the V-code (that’s the last threedigits on the signature line on theback of your card). If you pay bycredit card, please mail your creditcard information to the Secretary/Treasurer. Do not send credit cardinformation by e-mail. No paymentsshould be sent to the auctioncoordinator.

Shipping costsSuccessful bidders also areresponsible for reimbursing thedonors for the postage costs offorwarding the item(s) to thewinning bidders. Payments shouldbe forward directly to the donorsafter receiving the bid upon item(s).

Forwarding items to successfulbiddersAfter notifying successful bidders oftheir being the high bidder, I willforward those names and bidamounts to Bill Cockrell. When hereceives payment, he will authorizeme to notify the donor to forward theappropriate item(s) to the bidder.Donors should forward itemsexpeditiously and by economicalmeans. If shipping costs are notreimbursed, please notify me.

InternetThis year, a list of the donated itemswill be posted on the IWCS Web Site(http://www.woodcollectors.net).You can see photographs of all of thecraft items that were donated as wellas photographs of wood items W003through W013.

Thank you for your support

Please join me in expressingappreciation for the IWCS memberssupporting the All-Mail Auction.We should be especially thankfulfor the members who donateditems. Their names appear with thelist of donated items. The proceedsof their donations support IWCSactivities. Also, it is not too early tobegin setting aside items for nextyear’s All-Mail Auction.

CraftsNote: Photographs of all of the craftdonations are available on the IWCSweb site - www.woodcollectors.net.Items C001 - C006 were crafted bythe late Frank Lynn (#1368H) andwill be mailed by Allan Schwindt(#8209L), Washington.C001Bowl of Fiddleback Walnut, 5 3/4"diameter x 2" high, see photo.C002Bowl of Maple Burl 6 1/2" diameterx 2" high, see photo.C003Bowl of spalted Maple, 6 3/4"diameter x 2" high, see photo.C004Candle Holder of Walnut, 7"diameter x 2" high, see photo.C005Napkin Rings of East IndianRosewood, a set of four, see photo.C006Clock & Stand of Padauk, about 6"tall, see photo.Items C007 - C010 were crafted anddonated by Jerome Padrutt (#1068),Wisconsin who is 87 years youngand still turning every day.C007Clock with a Banksia pod base, BlackWalnut stem, and Live Oak top, seephoto.C008Small toothpick holder of Red Birchthat was recovered from LakeSuperior after being submerged for100 to 150 years, see photo.C009Large toothpick holder of Sumac, seephoto.C010Weed Pot of Apple with some smallgrazing, see photo.


Item C011 was donated by BobIreland (#9097), New York.C011Cigar-Style Pen, using a “Woods ofthe World” pen blank containg 17different woods, see photo.

Egg BlocksItems E001 - E003 were donated byAlan B. Curtis (#1132-HL), Oregon.Note: Items E001 - E003 are eggblocks, approximately 2 x 2 x 4" andlabeled with common and botanicalname, and where grown.E001Set of 12 different woods, 7 lbs.,requires a minimum bid of $15.00:blackwood acacia (Acaciamelanoxylon), black mangrove(Avicennia germinans), guanacasteblanco (Albizzia caribaea), river birch(Betula nigra), yellow candlewood(Cassia emarginata), Haitian catalpa(Catalpa longissima), jarrah(Eucalyptus marginata), bastard cherry(Ehretia tinifolia), cluster fig (Ficusracemosa), kaffir plum (Harpephyllumcaffrum), tulipwood (Harpulliathanatophora), and logwood(Haematoxylon campechianum).E002Set of 12 different woods, 7 lbs.,requires a minimum bid of $15.00:inland rosewood (Heterodendronoleifolium), sandbox tree (Huracrepitans), fafaraha (Malacanthaalnifolia), Spanish-lime (Melicoccusbijugatus), false-mastic(Mastichodendron foetidissimum),granadillo (Platymiscium yucatanum),royal paulownia (Paulowniatomentosa), muchukunda(Pterospermum acerifolium), paradise-tree (Simarouba glauca), tamboti(Spirostachys africana), Japanesesnow-bell (Styrax japonicus), andguayacan (Tabebuia palmeri).E003Set of 12 different woods, 7 lbs.,requires a minimum bid of $15.00:guanacaste blanco (Albizia caribaea),Haitian catalpa (Catalpa longissima),jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata), clusterfig (Ficus racemosa), logwood(Haematoxylon campechianum),tulipwood (Harpullia thanatophora),kaffir plum (Harpephyllum caffrum),false-mastic (Mastichodendronfoetidissimum), royal paulownia(Paulownia tomentosa), muchukunda(Pterospermum acerifolium), paradise-tree (Simarouba glauca), and Japanesesnow-bell (Styrax japonicus).

Pen BlanksNote: Photographs of all of the penblanks are available on the IWCS website - www.woodcollectors.net.Items P001 - P003 were donated byBob Ireland (#9097), New York.P001Set of 23 pen blanks, mostapproximately 3/4 x 3/4 x 5", 3 lbs:Australian myrtle burl, milo,mansonia, black walnut, curlyrambutan, wawabima, curly lychee,sapele, tchitola, African walnut,marblewood, coffee burl, mara,pterygota, teak, lignum vitae,niangon, koa, ekki, pink ivory,aromatic cedar, and grapevine (seephoto).P002Set of 23 pen blanks, mostapproximately 3/4 x 3/4 x 5", 3 lbs:African leadwood, milo, brown fig,asanfina, black walnut, aromaticcedar, mara, espave, African walnut,coffee burl, Pacific yew, ekki, sapele,mansonia, afzelia, pink ivory,magnolia, Australian myrtle burl,beli, tchitola, partridgewood, curlyrambutan, and cibal (see photo).P003Set of two “Woods of the World” penblanks, approximately 5/8 x 5/8 x5", using 17 different woods (seephoto).

Standard Wood SpecimensItems S001 - S004 were donatedDave Milligan (#4864L), California.S001Set of 10 specimens, 2 lbs: all solidpieces, some may have minor checksor bark on edges: mirror plant(Coprosma repens), red ironbark(Eucalyptus sideroxylon), sweetshade(Hymenosporum flavum), conicaljuniper (Juniperus scopulorum), blackcottonwood (Populus trichocarpa),holly oak (Quercus ilex), China doll(Radernachera sinica), purple floweredlocust (Robinia X ambigua), giantsequoia -from cultivated tree(Sequoiadendron giganteum), and littleleaf linden (Tilia cordata).S002Set of 10 specimens, 2 lbs; identical toitem S001.S003Set of 10 specimens, 2 lbs; identical toitem S001.S004Set of 10 specimens, 2 lbs; identical toitem S001.

Items S005 - S013 were donated byBrian Baker (#4163), Indiana.S005Set of 12 specimens, slightly oversize,S4S, sanded, and labeled, 3.5 lbs:guanacaste blanco (Albizia caribaea),river birch (Betula nigra), verawood(Bulnesia arborea), buttonbush(Cephalanthus orientalis), Americanyellowood (Cladrastis kentuckea),hazelnut (Corylus americana),mindanao gum (Eucalyptus deglupta),hardy rubber tree (Eucomia ulmoides),fig (Ficus subcordata), honeylocust(Gleditisia triacanthos(, logwood(Haematoxylon campechianum), andEnglish walnut (Juglans regia).S006Set of 13 specimens, slightly oversize,S4S, sanded, and labeled, 3.5 lbs:saucer magnolia (Magnoliasoulangiana), macambo (Paramaechiumspp.), Engelmann spruce (Piceaengelmannii), black cottonwood,(Populus trichocarpa), premna (Premnaspp.), shingle oak (Quercus imbricaria),crack willow (Salix fragilis), Chinesetallow tree (Sapium sebiferum),sassafras (Sassafras albidum), blackfrake (Terminalia superba), seasidemahoe (Thespesia grandiflora), westernred cedar (Thuja plicata), and easternhemlock (Tsuga canadensis).S007Set of 12 specimens, slightly oversize,S4S, sanded, and labeled, 3.5 lbs:earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis),doussie (Afzelia pachyloba), ailanthus(Ailanthus altissima), red alder (Alnusrubra), lerado (Brosimum alicastrum),lacewood (Cardwellia sublimus),American chestnut (Castanea dentata),curleaf cercocarpus (Cercocarpusledifolius), camphor (Cinnamonumcamphorum), Italian cypress (Cupressussempervirens), Moreton Bay fig (Ficusmacrophylla), and jacaranda (Jacarandamimosifolia).S008Set of 13 specimens, slightly oversize,S4S, sanded, and labeled, 3.5 lbs: wildtamarind (Lysiloma latisiliqua),lancewood (Nectandra coriacea),Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana),Texasebony (Pithecellobium flexicaule),sycamore (Platanus occidentalis),macawood (Platymiscium trinitatis),shaving-brush tree (Pseudobombaxellipticum), European buckthorn(Rhamnus cathartica), staghorn sumac(Rhus typhina), pagoda tree (Sophorajaponica), acopa (Syzgiumsamarangense), teak (Tectona grandis),and weeping silver lime (Tiliatomentosa).

Cont’ on page 27.


Although a tree or palm like habit,this large herb yields no wood.Nevertheless it’s interesting to seehow this ‘tree’ grows and how it isbuilt up of very large rectangular‘cells’. Actually, in a collection ofwoods of fruit trees, a sample shouldnot be missing.Musa is the genus name for banana,that includes some 35 species, allnative to tropical and subtropicalAsia. The family is the Musaceae,classified in the Monocotyledons (likethe palms, the agaves and thebambus, for example). The ediblebananas come from forms of M.acuminata Colla and M. balbisianaColla, both native to the India toIndonesian region. An importantedible form is M. x paradisiaca L.Bananas are widely grown inplantations all over the warm regionsof the world now and score a secondplace in importance after thecoconut. One of the most hardy, butnot edible bananas is M. basjooSiebolt & Zucc. (the ‘Japanesebanana’) from the Ryukyu Islands ofsouthern Japan.All banana species have comparablegrowth. The Japanese banana growsto a hight of about 3 m, the stembeing 20 - 30 cm across. Other speciesmostly grow higher. They arecrowned by 4 to 6 bright green, up to2.5 m long, thin, supple leaves. Theveins make almost right angles to the

by Nelis Mourik #7460-L

Shrubwoods of the World

Bananaprominent midrib, an importantfeature of all banana species.The leaves grow out of the pith of theapex, at first stage rolled uplongitudinally like a cigar, their leafstalks coming way down from thebase of the ‘tree’. Every next new leafand leaf stalk is born in that pith acertain angle turned and shiftedcompared to the previous one,meanwhile pressing all other leafstalks out in a continuing process.This implies a growth in thickness,but generated by new tissue in thepith ( ! ) and (of lesser contribution)by broadening of the enclosed leafstalks. It also implies the stem of thebanana ‘tree’ consists of spirallyarranged leaf stalks only, as thepicture of the fresh M. x paradisiacacross section shows. This is a verysoft, almost white, weak tissue. Onlythe outer sides of the leaf stalks, thatare green where they see daylight,provide for some stiffness.Flowers are born on a stout flowerstalk, arching down from the apex ofthe stem, equally to the leaves. Bothflowers and fruits can grow on thisstalk at the same time. After fruitingthe ‘tree’ dies.Two sources on the origin of namestell different explanations. A Dutch1936 one says the genus name Musais derived from the Arabian andPerzian plant name ‘mouz’ forbanana. An American 1997 one saysMusa is named after Antonius Musa,who lived from 63 to 14 BC and whowas a physician to the Romanemperor Augustus Octavianus.Perhaps both are true. The genusname Musa has nothing to do withthe Latin word ‘musa’ for ‘muze’.(Nine muzes were Greek goddessesof arts and sciences.)The inside of the flattened leaf stalk isbuilt up of many longitudinal, thin,little fibrous walls, all connecting the

both much thicker and much morefibrous outer sides. These verticalwalls on their turn are connected bytwo kinds of horizontal walls - onevery thin richly perforated withwhorls of angular holes, the otheronly pitted and more solid. Thehorizontal walls are wider spacedthan the vertical, resulting in therectangular, cell like structure asshown. The water conducting systemis in all vertical tissue, althoughmainly in the outer sides.

Longtitudinal section of the stem.

Cross section of the stem of leaf storks.Magnification of the longtitudinalsection showing the enlarged cells.


The material has to be dried assoon and as fast as possible afterfelling to avoid fungi staining itblack. Before drying a leaf stalkthe green outer sides must be cutoff carefully using a sharp knife.Narrow edges can be left on. Boththe green and the white tissueturn to a light brown. Shrinkagecan be undone by a daily pullingout the drying material to a littleover its original width until dry. Itdries in only a few days to aweek. To get the dry material inthe desired dimensions also use asharp knife. At the utmost thehard dry outer sides left along theedges can be sawn. Cut carefully,the dry material is very tender.And, needless to say, verynondurable, and very susceptibleto moisture. If desired, it can beglued up, as the pictured sampleof M. basjoo shows.The use of the banana tree ismainly for its fruit. Some plantthem as an ornamental for theirbright green leaves and exotichabit. Of some species the fiber isused for making twine, ropes andcables (‘Manila hemp’ from M.textilis Née from the Philippines).Also tea-bags are made of it,because the length of the fibersuffices to avoid the ‘paper’ fromfalling apart in boiling water,while still allowing an openstructure, and because it istasteless.

Wood Meets

6-7 June, 2008IWCS Southeast Regional Meeting, Fork Union Military

Academy in the Middle School Gymnasium.Fork Union is 17 miles South off

I-64, 20 miles East of Charlottesville. Exhibits and Tours will be onFriday. Demonstrations, seminars and auction on Saturday. Contact

Chris [email protected] for more information.

19 July 2008Northwest Regional Summer Meeting

Snohomish, WashingtonFor more information contact: Fred and Mildred Holder. Phone: 360-

668-0976Email: [email protected]

Wed 27 - Sunday 31 August, 2008 IWCS Annual Meeting,

Hocking College Campus,Nelsonville, OH

Sawmill will be cutting wood throughout the event and a day-longauction will be held on Saturday.

For additional event information contact: Mark Johnson, 2699 EchertRoad, S.E., Lancaster, OH 43130

or call 740-689-0722.

11-15 October, 2008Australasian Annual Meeting

“Botanica—Adelaide”Belair, South Australia

Saturday afternoon registration and informal chats. Sunday at theHighfields Wood Show and evening meal at the Country Club.

Monday field trip to Goolwa and Victor Harbour. Tuesday AdelaideBotanic Gardens, etc. Wednesday small workshops and auction.

Contact Ron and Helen Allen: (08) 8264 7414.

Tues 16 - Sat 20 June, 2009IWCS International Annual Meeting

NetherlandsFurther information on location and program will be forthcoming. If

you should have any suggestions or wishes, please inform us at:Nelis Mourik, email: [email protected]

Willem Hurkmans, email: [email protected] the meeting program notice on page 30.

A large magnification of the stem cells.


Member’s Listings and Requests

I provide a wide variety of woods instandard and other sizes, includingblanks for pens, knife handles,bows, pistol grips, etc. I also have alot of highly figured snakewood.

David Persram,Persram’s Woods, Crafts, and Pens,24 Belvoir Court, Bel-Air,Georgetown, Guyana 592-226-1757

I have over 1,000 species in sampleform for sale or trade. Many areextras received over the years so Ionly have one of many. Contact formy list and send me your list.

Dennis Wilson,12008 Andresen Dr.,South Lyon, MI 48178-9109, [email protected]

Canadian Official Trees woodspecimen sets.

Standard size specimens of thewood of all 13 of Canada’s officialtrees or arboreal emblems–eachproperly labeled. Comes in a finelycrafted maple case with clearsliding lid and a 32 pagedescriptive booklet. Contact:

Chuck HolderPhone: 403 [email protected]

Wood neededI am looking for Arbutus unedo,Buxus sempervirens, Crataeguslaevigata, Juniperus communis,Populus tremula, Prunus padus,Prunus spinosa, Quercus petraea,Salix pentandra, Sorbus aria,Sorbus domestica, Tiliaplatyphyllos, Ulmus glabra. If youhave any of these for sale or trade,please let me know.

Stan Hunter,9303 Iron Stone Ct,Laurel, MD 20723-1386Phone: 301-725-5731E-mail: [email protected]

600-plus different kinds of woodspecimens precisely crafted andlabeled, most identified from trees inthe forest. I have woods from the USA,Mexico, Brazil, Japan, Australia, andothers.Contact me for a list.

Alan B. Curtis,2370 Douglas Drive,Eugene, Oregon [email protected]

I provide wood specimens from aroundthe globe, accurately dimensioned,nicely sanded and labeled. I maintain amailing list and send notificationwhen new specimens become available.Contact me for a list.

Gary Green,9923 N 800 E,Syracuse, IN 46567E-mail: [email protected]

I buy, sell, and trade wood specimens.Offering more than 1,000 species fromaround the world, including manyfrom the Guyana Shield region ofSouth America. For a list, whichchanges constantly, contact:

Tim Heggaton,10910 Kenmore Drive,New Port Richey, FL 34654Phone: [email protected]

Over 1,000 different wood specimensaround the world. Over one third arespecially figured like blistered, curly,fiddle back, quilted, bird eye, mottled,burled and others.

Réjean Drouin333, 19 e rue, Québec,Québec, Canada G1L 2A5Phone : 418-529-5466E-mail : [email protected]

I am interested in doing some swaps.I have 2200 specimens 60 x 6 x 90mm of all sorts of imported and home-grown woody plants.

Lionel Daniels, Windy Heights HighCross, Foxfield , PetersfieldHampshire UK GU32 1EKPhone: 01730 827472

Members with wood specimens for sale

Books for SaleSend for an updated list of bookson trees and timbers. Write:

Ken Bassett,1805 58th Street NE,Tacoma, WA 98422E-mail [email protected]

Booklet for SaleCarving the Woods of theWorld, Volume 2 is nowavailable. It features 310 morespecies carved and evaluated.For a copy, contact:

Howard Russell,53 Bodkin Street, St.Thomas, ON N5R 6H5 CanadaPhone: 519-633-2788E-mail: [email protected]

The IWCS wood specimenprogram needs; western redcedar, beech, staghorn sumac,white oak, and black poplar, and/or cottonwood. If you have 30samples or so of a species youthink would fit into the program,please send it along.

IWCS wood specimen kits for salePlease contact:

Marven Smith,1256 Moffett Road,Lucedale, MS 39425-7803Phone: [email protected]

My company, LindenPublishing, is always looking forwood and woodworking authors .Currently I need an author for abook on wood and another for abook on making residentialdoors. We publish books and alsosell other publisher’s titles.

Richard Sorsky #1894Email: [email protected] Publishing Inc.www.woodworkerslibrary.com2006 S. Mary Fresno CA 93721Phone: 559 233 6633Fax: 559 233 6933


In the 1960s with the approach of theJames Cook Bicentenary of 1770, theidea to build a replica of CaptainJames Cook’s HM Bark Endeavour wasconceived in Whitby, England, thebirthplace of the original ship.However, it was not until Australiadecided to celebrate its Bicentenaryof European Settlement in 1988, andthe decision to establish theAustralian National MaritimeMuseum in Sydney, that the museumdecided to build the replica. TheBond Corporation in WesternAustralia offered to do the job, and aspecially designed shipyard inFremantle started work on the projectin January 1988. Two years later, theYoshiya Corporation of Japan tookover but withdrew after five monthsin August 1991. The formation of theHM Bark Endeavour Foundation,supported by the National MaritimeMuseum, Greenwich, saw thebuilding recommence. Four yearslater, on 16 April 1994, Endeavour wascommissioned and has toured theworld since then takingpart in celebrations.It cost $A17 million andtook nearly 500,000 man-hours to build.

The ships dimensionsThe overall length is 53.3m (109’3”) and thebreadth is 8.89 m (29’ 5”).The depth in the hold is3.45 m (11’ 4”) and thedisplacement volume is550 m3.The main mast is 39 m(127’ 11”) high, foremastis 33.5 m (109’ 10”) andthe mizzen mast 24 m (78’9”). It carries 926 squaremeters of sail.

Woods of HM Bark Endeavour replica

What timber was used?Research showed that the originalship was built of oak (Quercus spp.possibly Q. robur), with an elm keel(Ulmus spp. possibly U. procera), andmost likely Baltic pine (Pinussylvestris) decks, topside, masts andspars. As oak is susceptible to rotand attack from marine borers,particularly in tropical water, theoriginal ship only survived for 29years. As none of these woods wereavailable in the sizes required, or atsuitable costs, and as the replica wascommissioned to sail for 40 yearsthe decision was made to build inthe West Australian hardwoodjarrah (Eucalyptus marginata).Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)would replace the Baltic pine.Several other woods were usedincluding karri (Eucalyptusdiversicolor), wandoo (Eucalyptuswandoo) blackbutt (Eucalyptuspatens), tallow wood (Eucalyptusmicrocorys), tuart (Eucalyptus

gomphocephala), and sheoak(Allocasuarina fraserana) for theblocks.This magnificent replica returned toSydney in April 2005 havingcompleted 11 years of worldvoyaging under the HM BarkEndeavour Foundation, and wastransferred firstly to the AustralianGovernment and then to theAustralian National MaritimeMuseum. The ship is displayed asone of the nation’s foremosthistorical exhibits. The museummaintains Endeavour andundertakes voyages to display thevessel to audiences in other ports,and to enable the public toexperience 18th century square-rigvoyaging and seamanship.

by Lindsay Dunstan #5017 and Morris Lake #7634.

A photo of the Endeavour replica with sailsfurled at Picton, New Zealand, an inner-

island port on the northern tip of the SouthIsland of NZ. The photo was taken by

Lindsay Dunstan.


Regis-treeNew members of the International Wood Collectors Society

Names and addresses of new

members has been suppressed

for this web edition.

Key to Members’ Interests1 Wood collecting- casual or serious

interest in acquiring woodspecimens; interested in fieldcollecting; interested in collectingcrafted wood items; other.

2 Wood/wood technology -dendrology; study of trees; timberresearch; wood identification;wood anatomy; microtomy; other.

3 Wood supplier - willing to tradeor supply wood for specimens orcraft purposes.

4 Woodworking projects - boxes;canes; games; toys; puzzles;clocks; jewellery; craft items;models; miniatures; musicalinstruments; furniture; cabinetry;other.

5 Woodworking techniques -carving, marquetry; intarsia;pyrography; spindle or bowlturning; ornamental turning;other.

6 Other wood, wood crafting, orwood related interests.

7 Teaching, writing, instruction -would write articles for IWCS ordemonstrate/present at IWCSmeetings; other.


All-Mail Auction cont’S009Set of 12 specimens, slightlyoversize, S4S, sanded, and labeled,3.5 lbs: sweet birch (Betula lenta),chakte-viga (Caesalpinia violeacea),Santa Maria (Calophyllum brasiliense),yellow candlewood (Cassiaemarginata), northern catalpa (Catalpaspeciosa), Spanish cedar (Cedrelaodorata), fringe tree (Chionanthesvirginicus), leadwood (Combretumimperbe), cannonball tree (Couroupitaguianensis), downy hawthorn(Crataegus mollis), Arizona cypress(Cupressus arizonica), and basra locus(Dicorynia guianensis).S010Set of 13 specimens, slightlyoversize, S4S, sanded, and labeled,3.5 lbs: banyan tree (Ficusbenghalensis), kabukalli (Goupiaglabra), bubinga (Guibouritiatessmannii), Kentucky coffeetree(Gymnocladus dioicus), commonjuniper (Juniperus communis),tamarack (Larix laricina), cucumbertree (Magnolia acuminata), yulan tree(Magnolia denudata), sitka spruce(Picea sitchensis), mesquite (Prosopsisjuliflora), willow oak (Quercusphellos), black elder (Sambucus nigra),

and African tuliptree (Spathodeacampanulata).S011Set of 10 specimens, slightlyoversize, S4S, sanded, andlabeled, 3 lbs: bigleaf maple (Acermacrophyllum), woman’s tongue(Albizia lebbek), pignut hickory(Carya glabra), Port Orford cedar(Chamaecyparis lawsoniana), greenash (Fraxinus pennsylvanicum),ginkgo, (Gingko biloba), butternut(Juglans cinerea), purpleheart(Peltogyne paniculata), copperpod(Peltophorum ptercarpum), andPear (Pyrus communis).S012Set of 10 specimens, slightlyoversize, S4S, sanded, andlabeled, 3 lbs: box elder (Acernegundo), pawpaw (Asiminatriloba), chakte (Caesalpiniaplatyloba), lyptus - hybrid(Eucalyptus grandis xEucalyptusurophylla), snapdragon tree(Gmelina arborea), Africanmahogany (Khaya ivorensis),osage-orange (Maclura pomifera),peach (Prunus persica), yewleafpodocarpus (Podocarpusmacrophylla), and littleleaf linden(Tilia cordata).

S013Set of 10 specimens, slightly oversize,S4S, sanded, and labeled, 3 lbs: Englishfield maple (Acer campestre), Hong Kongerchid tree (Bauhinia blakeana),carrotwood (Cupanopsis anacardioides),kaffir plum (Harpephyllum caffrum),mimusops (Minusops balata), watertupelo (Nyssa aquatica), mugho pine(Pinus mugho), live oak (Quercusvirginiana), black locust (Robiniapseudoacacia), and Honduras mahogany(Swietenia macrophylla).

Items S014 - S015 were donated byJerry Zipprich (#1238), Illinois.S014Set of 10 specimens, 3 lbs: damar/almaciga (Agathis dammara), parana pine(Araucaria angustifolia), Norfolk Islandpine (Araucaria heterophylla), pawpaw(Asimina triloba), bitternut hickory(Carya cordiformis), Northern catalpa(Catalpa speciosa), common hackberry(Celtis occidentalis), putumuju(Centrolobium robustum), eastern redbud(Cercis canadensis), Alaska yellow-cedar(Chamaecyparis nootkatensis), satin leaf(Chrysophyllum oliviforme), camphorlaural (Cinnamomum camphora), andonion cordia (Cordia alliodora).

Cont’ on page 31

Names and addresses of new

members has been suppressed

for this web edition.


Derivation: Lagarostrobos from theGreek lagam=lazy, and strobos=strobili, referring to the lax opennature of the female cone. Frankliniihonours Sir John Franklin (1786-1847) naval captain, arctic explorer,and early Governor of Tasmania.The common name huon, comesfrom the Huon River, on the banks ofwhich it is found, named afterCaptain Huon de Kermadec,commander of the French shipEsperance.Family: Podocarpaceae. Conifers goback 250 million years andpalaeobotanists have found huonpine-like pollen in sediment 135million years old—that’s inGondwana time— truly an ancientspecies.Distribution: Confined to westernTasmania huon pine is one of thesouthern hemisphere’s longest-livedspecies. Only 1,500 ha of ‘virgin’huon pine remain. Most grow below150 metres, ranging from sea level toabout 800 metres. The areaexperiences 100 frosts a year with arainfall of 3 metres (3000 mm or 120inches). The terrain is precipitous,and rivers cut through a tortuouslandscape. Most millable huon pinewas either in narrow strips along theriver banks and streams, in gorges,on swampy flats. Further up theslopes it is stunted and the trunkstend to fork.It grows in association with myrtlebeech (Nothofagus cunninghamii),southern sassafras (Atherospermamoschatum), cellary top pine(Phyllocladus aspeniifolius), and withblackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) onswampy sites. Often an understoryof laurel (Anopterus glandulosus) andhorizontal (Anodopetalumbiglandulosum).The tree: A slow-growing mediumto tall-sized tree occasionallyreaching 40 m. Usually has a straighttrunk, often forked, not buttressed,with light-green weeping foliage.

by Morris Lake #7634Australian woods No 9Lagarostrobos franklinii syn. Dacrydium frankliniiHuon pine

The tree can be accurately aged fromits annual rings. The oldestspecimen east of Grinings Landingis over 3,000 years old, measuring287 cm (9’ 6’’) in diameter at 2 m,with a height approaching 40 m. Itis the largest known living huonpine and possibly the oldest tree inAustralia. A clonal stand on MtReed may be 10,500 years old andmay be one of the oldest clonalstands in the world. Huon is one ofthe few conifers to form ‘clonalthickets’. This can happen aroundthe skeletons of old trees, or wherethe branches of the tree can take roothaving been weighed down by snow, as in the case of the Mt Reed colonywhich originated from one maletree.More than 90% of all stands havebeen logged, however small pocketsof remnant trees remain deep withininaccessible locations. Currently86% are in reserves andexcluded from logging, so itwill take a thousand yearsbefore mature trees can beviewed without having to beairlifted to them.Huon is therefore ‘rare’ bywhatever standard youchoose to apply. In recenttimes, total sawn logproduction has never reachedForestry Tasmania’s target of500 m3/year. Craftwood issalvaged from old loggedareas, and around 50 m3/yearis released from the Lake Gordonstockpile, cut when the dam wasbuilt in the 1970s and stockpiledfrom floating logs when the damfilled. At the current release-rate thisis sustainable for only 40-50 years.No other species of Lagarostrobosoccurs in Australia This is a relicspecies of the Podocarpaceae family,with pollen records that date back135 million years. It has chosenTasmania for its last stand againstthe competition from other speciesand a drying climate.

A remnant huon pine on the TeepookanaPlateau, accessible only by helecopter.

Huon foliage.An ancient huon stump.

The roots of the2000 year oldhuon pine on theGordon River.Although fallen,this tree is stillalive and growthfrom the massivetrunk is forminga clonal thicket.


Wood of Lagarostrobos frankliniiSapwood pale. Heartwood light creamto yellowish with closely spaced annualrings and sometimes small black, ‘birdseye’ markings from branchlet traces,particularly in the butt.

Wood characteristicsHuon is reputed to be one of the mostdurable Australian woods—logs thathave apparently lain on the ground forseveral hundred years are beingharvested and milled. Sound sub-fossillogs, carbon dated at up to 38,000 yearsold have been dug out of river banks inTasmania. Huon pine sap contains upto seven percent methyl eugenol, whichgives it its special odour and highresistance to fungal and insect attack. Itis regarded as the most durable ofAustralian timbers. With a density ofonly 520 kg m3 , high durability, andlow shrinkage rates, it was highlyregarded for boat building.It is usually straight grained, with finegrowth rings closely spaced—you needa x10 lens to count the rings. Despiteits moderate density it has a fair degreeof strength. It has an oily feel on freshlyplaned surfaces and because of itsmethyl eugenol, it may present aproblem with gluing. It has good steambending properties.Experienced craft workers in Tasmaniaapply a hardener-enhanced Danish Oil,finishing with a plastic abrasive, or steelwool pad to obtain a fine surface whichcan breath. As the wood ages the densergrain latewood deepens in colour fasterthan the softer earlywood, and thetimber takes on a delicate and readilyidentifiable appearance. This isparticularly evident in and aroundbranchlet and bud markings in itemsmade from the lower bowl of the tree.This figuring is particularly evident inthe birds eye wood and results in asilky sheen appearance, as can be seenin the top area of the photograph on thefar right.Because of its beauty, huon pine hasbeen used widely in furnishings and inspeciality interior decorations. It ismuch sought after for turnery andcarving. These qualities of great beauty,

Huon pine birds eye markingsformed from branchlets—oftenfound in the lower bowl of the tree.

durability and rarity will ensure that itemsmade from it will have pride of place.Huon pine pollen has also been found inlake sediments in western Victoria thatdate back about 150,000 years, so itappears that it may have been quitewidespread across Australia half a millionyears ago.When you look elsewhere today, there arearound 100 species throughout the world,and around 20 Dacrydium species in ninecountries—some having timber similar tohuon pine.The Stanley River and Mount Reedresearch is revealing much about ourplanet’s climatic history from the study ofthe huon pine rings—the bonus being thatthe species still lives with us today.The Tasmanian huon pine forests areprecious remnants of this now raresouthern hemisphere conifer—ofcomparable significance to the northernhemisphere redwoods.

A huon pine box with birds eyeinlay in the lid made by the author.

A specimen of huon pine showing a small knot.


Pre-meeting TourTheme: dendrology and botany

aspects of wood

Monday 8 June

Arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Tuesday 9 June

Registration for the tour and visitLeiden University Herbarium and

Wood Collections. Transport by trainand public bus is feasible. Evening

programme – lecture ondendrochronology or related subject.

Wednesday 10 June

Visit to Trompenburg Arboretum(Rotterdam. Transport by public bus

is feasible Evening programme –lecture on indigenous trees in the

Netherlands.

Thursday 11 June

Visit to Fort Hoofddijk BotanicGardens/ Transport by public bus isfeasible. Evening is free to spend as

you like.

Friday 12 June

Visit to a Xylotheque in the morning,and a museum of your choice in the

afternoon. Discussion on the aspects ofwood collecting, presided by a panel.

Saturday 13 June

Visit typical Dutch towns – Saturdayis often Market Day. Medieval townslike Maastricht, Dordrecht, Gouda,Zwolle, Deventer can be visited and

there will be time for shopping.Dinner and Evening – IWCS members

receiving guests.

Sunday-Monday 14-15 June

Down days which can be devoted toattending church service, visits with

friends or excursions that can beprivately arranged. The Board

members can use this day to arrangefor their meetings.

The Meeting Week Proper

Tuesday 16 JuneMorning – Reception and registration with Dutch koffietafel.

Afternoon – Zaanse Schans – Dutch Windmills - tourist version.Eevening – Lecture on archaeology of wood.

Committee meetings will also be held in the afternoon and evening.

Wednesday 17 JuneMorning - General Meeting for all IWCS attendees.

Afternoon – iInformal IWCS/NEHOSOC/HCTO meeting where wepropose to serve High Tea.

Eevening – Lecture on Poplar and Clog making. There will also beCommittee meetings.

Thursday 18 JuneMorning – Basic wood anatomy course.

Afternoon – Basic wood anatomy course. For those not wishing toattend the courses the alternative is shopping in Amsterdam.

Evening – Official Supper for all who attend.

Friday 19 JuneMorning and Afternoon – Wood specimens market

Evening – Spend as you like, or attend Lecture on various plantgroups.

Saturday 20 JuneMorning and Afternoon – Expositions and demonstrations where

NEHOSOC and HCTOmembers are invited. Evening – Reception with IWCS & NEHOSOC members in their

homes.

Sunday 21 JuneDown day which can be devoted to attending church service, visits

with friends or excursions that can be privately arranged.

Post-meeting TourTheme: Cultural Aspects of the Netherlands

Monday 22 June Arrival and transfer to your hotel.Tuesday 23 June TOUR STARTS — Registration and visit to

Openluchtmuseum Arnhem. Evening.Wednesday 24 June Visit to Bataviawerf . Evening programmeThursday 25 June Visit to Mediaeval Town of Utrecht -

including shopping.Friday 26 June Visit to AvdBerg Sawmill and lecture on FSC

and Traditional Dutch Games and Pastimes.Saturday 27 June Visit to a selection of Dutch windmills –

Miller’s version. Dinner and Evening – IWCSmembers receiving guests – TOUR ENDS.

Program for 2009 IWCS Annual Meeting, Netherlands


W004Eastern red cedar (Juniperusvirginiana), clear except 5 knotsunder 1 1/4", rough AD 5 years, 4 1/2 x 23 x2 1/2", 8 lbs, fromOklahoma, see photo.W005White fir, rough bandsawn, AD oneyear, 5 x 13x 1", 1 lb, from Colorado,see photo.W006Redbud (Cercis canadensis),1 sidewith pith and 1 knot, AD 2 years, 1side planed others bandsawn rough,2 x 19 x 3/4", 2 lbs, from Oklahoma,see photo.W007Australian lacewood (Cardwelliasublimis), clear, KD (Kiln Dried) ,rough, 8 x 22 x 2", 8 lbs, see photo.W008Limba (Terminalia supurba), clear,planed, KD, 5 x 10 x 1 7/8", 3 lbs, fromAfrica, see photo.W009Ponderosa pine, one side with pith, 3small knots, other sides nicely bluestained, 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 20", rough, AD1 year, 5 lbs, from Colorado, see photo.W010Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), clearwith one side checked, planed, AD 15years, 8 x 40 x 1", 12 lbs, fromOklahoma, see photo.W011English brown oak, planed, clear, 10pin knots, KD, 7 x 21 x 3/4", 3 lbs,from England, see photo.W012Bristle cone pine, branch with bark andsome checks, AD 4 years, 2 3/4diameter x 23", 5 lbs, from Colorado,see photo.

Item W013 was donated by Art Lee(#7984L), Maryland.W014Ironwood (Olneya tesota), natural,irregular inclusions and shape,approximately 2.5 x 3.5 x 8" long, 1.75lbs, see photo.

S015Set of 10 specimens, 3 lbs: cocobolo(Dalbergia retusa), red berry stopper(Eugenia confusa), white ash (Fraxinusamericana), sausage tree (Kigeliapinnata), eastern larch (Larix laricina),lancewood (Nectandra coriaceae), slashpine (Pinus elliotii), Mexican cocobolo(Platymisicium yucatanum), Englishcherry) Prunus avium), sloe plum(Prunus spinosa), staghorn sumac(Rhus typhina), black locust (Robiniapseudoacacia), and northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis).

Items S016 - S019 were donated byGary Green (#6654), Indiana.S016Set of 14 specimens, 3.5 lbs: sugarmaple - spalted (Acer saccharum)ancient New Zealand kauri - 30,000+years old (Agathis australis), mersawa- glue-up (Anisoptera spp.),bishopwood (Bischofia javanica),pignut hickory (Carya glabra),mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa),Chinese/Yunan chestnut- hecks andchips (Castanea mollissima), Americansmoketree (Cotinus obovatus), keruing(Dipterocarpus spp.), kapur(Dryobalanops spp.) Eucalyptus -packing crates from Bogota(Eucalyptus spp.), honey locust(Gleditsia triacanthos), panga panga(Millettia stuhlmannii), and watertupelo (Nyssa aquatica).S017Set of 14 specimens, 3.5 lbs: bluespruce (Picea pungens), Austrian/black pine (Pinus nigra), scarlet oak(Quercus coccinea), water oak -wormy(Quercus nigra), black oak (Quercusvelutina), staghorn sumac (Rhustyphina), peachleaf willow (Salixamygdaloides), weeping willow (Salixbabylonica), black willow (Salix nigra),light red meranti (Shorea spp. sect.Rubroshorea), dark red meranti -glued-up (Shorea spp., subg.Rubroshorea), European mountain ash(Sorbus aucuparia), northern whitecedar (Thuja occidentalis), andSiberian elm (Ulmus pumila).S018Set of 14 specimens, 3.5 lbs: sugarmaple - palted (Acer saccharum),pignut hickory (Carya glabra),mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa),American smoketree (Cotinusobovatus), honey locust (Gleditsiatriacanthos), water tupelo (Nyssaaquatica), blue spruce (Picea pungens),scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea), wateroak - wormy (Quercus nigra), black

oak (Quercus velutina), staghornsumac (Rhus typhina), peachleafwillow (Salix amygdaloides), blackwillow (Salix nigra), and northernwhite cedar (Thuja occidentalis).S019 Set of 14 specimens, 3.5 lbs: Chinese/Yunan chestnut - checks and chips(Castanea mollissima), ancient NewZealand kauri -30,000+ years old(Agathis australis), mersawa -glued-up (Anisoptera spp.), bishopwood(Bischofia javanica), keruing(Dipterocarpus spp.), kapur(Dryobalanops spp.), Eucalyptus -packing crates from Bogota(Eucalyptus spp.), panga panga(Millettia stuhlmannii), Austrian/blackpine (Pinus nigra), light red meranti(Shorea spp. sect. Rubroshorea), darkred meranti -glued-up (Shorea spp.,subg. Rubroshorea), weeping willow(Salix babylonica) European mountainash (Sorbus aucuparia), and Siberianelm (Ulmus pumila).

WoodNote: Photographs of wood itemsW003 through W013 are available onthe IWCS web site -www.woodcollectors.net.Item W001 was donated by DaveMilligan (#4864L), California.W001Japanese torreya (Torreya nucifera),log 2-2 3/4 diameter oval x 6 1/2",most of bark on, ends painted, nochecks, ring of at least 3 small knots2" from one end, collected April 2005in Sacramento, California..

Item W002 was donated by JimDandy (#5831), Delaware.W002Two pieces of tiger tail greenheart, 43/4 x 18 x 3/8" thick.

Items W003 - W012 were donated byRon Lira (#4053), from Oklahoma.W003Osage-orange (Maclura pomifera), 3pieces, rough chainsawed, AD (airdried) 15 years, 1 small defect in eachpiece, 3x4x21, 3x2x7 and 4x3x7, fromOklahoma, see photo.

All-Mail Auction Con’t

Note: IWCS cannot guarantee theaccuracy of the wood speciesnomenclature. Members withquestions in this respect shouldcontact the donor of the materialfor clarification.

All-Mail Auction ScheduleJune 25, 2008 Cut-off date for

biddingJune 30, 2008 Notify biddersSep/Oct 2008 Publish results in

World of Wood.


NON-PROFITORGANISATIONU.S. Postage PAIDGreencastle, INPermit No. 24

International Wood Collectors Societyc/o Bill & Myrt Cockrell2300 West Rangeline RoadGreencastle, IN 46123-7875

“Wood Works: A Journey “

Here are some pictures from thewood exhibition and forum held inSale, central Gippsland, Victoria,Australia in March and April. Iwas accompanied by AustralasianTrustee, Ian Mc Laughlin and newmembers Terry and Elsie Monahan.The Forum was free and the fiveartists discussed theirbackgrounds, methods,inspirations for designs,wood used, and other topics.

‘In Each the Other’ by Pete McCurly aformer IWCS member with a great naturaland childhood passion for wood and trees,

approaching a religious revererence—asdisplayed by this carved gidgee piece.

Clock by Will Matheson lives inMelbourne, Australia. His amazing

clocks have most of the moving partsmade of wood. There is a wide range

of woods used here.

Peter Curly explores ‘therelationship between time and

human perception to capture theunseen, hidden mechanisms that

guide the visual world’.

by Eugene Dimitriadis #4686.

Relief carving by Veronica Sexton, formerlyfrom Ireland, who now works with salvaged

timber after breaking free of the constraintsof formal training and work in a castle

making articles for royalty.

These are among the best and mostactive contemporary woodworkers inAustralia.Editor: Collectively these works pushthe boundaries of what wood can beused for, and expand the possibilitiesfor this docile and yet wonderfulnatural material.

world of wood · 2 world of wood may/june 2008 vol. 61, no. 3 issn 1068-7300 may/june 2008 the...

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