[Original Color] Encyclopedia of Wood Species for Understanding Wood Processing Surfaces, 3rd Edition

Authors: Kawamura Toshimasa, Nishikawa Takaaki / Supervisor: Koizumi Akio

The definitive encyclopedia of wood species, introducing 325 types of wood with photographs

This book is an encyclopedia that includes 16 additional pages and 36 new tree species, bringing the total to 325, compared to the January 2019 edition of the "Expanded and Revised Full-Color Tree Species Encyclopedia: Understanding Wood Processing Surfaces." The wood sample photos are of small boxes carved by woodworker Toshimasa Kawamura on a lathe. The characteristics of each tree species are explained in an easy-to-understand manner.

(1) There are 325 tree species listed. 36 species have been added from the revised and expanded edition, including 178 domestic timber species and 147 foreign timber species, for a total of 325 species. Many distinctive trees and useful materials are introduced, from Desert Ironwood and Monzo, which are thought to be the heaviest and hardest woods in the world, to Balsa, the lightest wood. Among domestic timber species, Okinawan timber and lesser-known trees are also actively included.

36 additional tree species: ● 20 domestic species: Adzuki pear, Japanese andromeda, Morus boninensis, Ogasawara mulberry, Scutellaria boninensis, Betula japonica, Kumano cherry, Heronia japonica, Plum, Wild cherry, Taiwan cherry, Tea tree, Rowan, Cat's Nectar, Dogwood, Japanese holly, Wisteria sinensis, Japanese holly, Japanese yew, Japanese bayberry ● 16 foreign species: Asan, Aleurite, Aromatic cedar, Osage orange, Kikkaboku, Cuban mahogany, Conkerberry, Giant sequoia, Almond tree, Pistachio, Huon pine, Bristlecone pine, Box elder, European oak, European beech, Cedar of Lebanon

(2) The photographs of the wood samples are photographs that clearly show the grain and figured surface of the curved surface of the processed curved box. Four cuts per tree species are used as a rule, including the unprocessed wood.

(3) For each tree species, the hardness is introduced based on experience. The characteristics of each tree species, such as hardness (ranked from 1 to 10), ease of processing, grain, color, and smell, are explained in an easy-to-understand manner. It is full of useful information for wood users (woodworkers, interior designers, lumber dealers, etc.). For example, "It is easy to process without feeling the grain. When turning on a lathe, it can be turned smoothly without being affected by the fibers. It is oil-free, sanding works well, and roughness is not noticeable after finishing."

(4) We tried to use expressions that would evoke specific images, especially for the color and smell. For example, "black like espresso coffee," "yellow like moist banana," "smells like almond tofu or cherries," etc.

(5) Correct wood names, latest scientific and family names included. In the timber industry and previously published dictionaries, timber names are often mixed with botanical names and common market names, which can be confusing. In this book, we have tried to organize the information as much as possible and provide accurate listings along with scientific names. The scientific and family names of trees are listed based on the latest APG system based on DNA analysis (the latest information has been updated in the third edition).

(6) Enjoy the collection of small box works. It can be enjoyed not only as an encyclopedia, but also as a collection of 325 small box works with different colors and wood grains.

Released 25/10/03

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[Primary Color] Wood Species Encyclopedia for Understanding Wood Processing Surfaces, 3rd Edition | Seibundo Shinkosha Co., Ltd. (seibundo-shinkosha.net)