Have you ever had doubts about wood that a dealer sold you? Because you were unfamiliar with this wood, or on the contrary because you thought that such wood should look different? Now here’s a chance to resolve such doubts. The website, InsideWood, supported by Dr Elisabeth Wheeler of the University of North Carolina and the International Association of Wood Anatomists (IAWA), gives you this solution.
Our member Raimund Aichbauer # 10142 has written a much simplified “instructions for use” being much more accessible than the rather technical version of the instructions for use published by the IAWA. That means that, even if you have only a hand lens, you will be enabled to identify woods. Maybe not down to the species, but you’ll certainly get pretty close. And using the pictures of Inside Wood you’ll be able to check your outcome. And — in cases of real importance — there’s always the possibility of asking Raimund’s opinion. Remember that even the professionals don’t always solve their problems. But by using Inside Wood you will follow scientific methods with the guarantee that, if you adhere to this systematic method, you will give your ID its best shot possible. And, in many cases in our experience, you will be able to ignore ‘ridiculous results’. Possibly your search will not lead to a straight answer — but generally you will be close to the mark. Or be able to eliminate several, to even many ‘alternative results’ of your search.
Give it a shot — you won’t regret it! And who knows, you may be asked by friends or fellow members to help them out? Click here to get the article.