I saw this link on another forum and thought it might be of interest here. The Forest Service will identify wood species from samples for private individuals, for free. You can send them up to 3 samples per year. Here is the link. I am definitely going to take advantage of this.
https://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/research/cent ... tsheet.php
USDA Forest Service wood identification
- Barry Daniels
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USDA Forest Service wood identification
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Re: USDA Forest Service wood identification
Oooh I have some wild and crazy specimens to send them though I might try my luck around here first.
I noticed that they make a point of saying no business entities should attempt to use the service though it's hard to think of guitar making as a business in this day and age.
I noticed that they make a point of saying no business entities should attempt to use the service though it's hard to think of guitar making as a business in this day and age.
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Re: USDA Forest Service wood identification
Barry is referring to a thread I started a couple of years ago on OLF. Sent in 2 samples late February and it took two months for a reply...by email.
I thought I had Kyana and it turned out to be Meranti. It'll still make some good necks though. I thought the other was Afrormosia and it turned out to be Narra. I got a 6"x6"x5' beam that looked like ship dunnage that I re-sawed into wood for two parlor guitars I'm making for my grandkids. One is complete and looks and sounds great.
Just send samples in under your own name, not under a letterhead. Should take care of the business issue.
I thought I had Kyana and it turned out to be Meranti. It'll still make some good necks though. I thought the other was Afrormosia and it turned out to be Narra. I got a 6"x6"x5' beam that looked like ship dunnage that I re-sawed into wood for two parlor guitars I'm making for my grandkids. One is complete and looks and sounds great.
Just send samples in under your own name, not under a letterhead. Should take care of the business issue.