$50 scholarships available to all participants courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Wood Species Identification
1 Day: Saturday, July 13th, 2024, 9AM-5PM
Tuition: $300 $250
$50 scholarships available to all participants courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Ages: 18 & Up
Instructor: Tom Nehil
Instructional Delivery Method(s): In person
Prerequisites: None
Program Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Program Description:
In this full day workshop, participants will gain skills needed to identify woods no matter what the sample size, be it a board, a log, or a small sample. The class will focus on common hardwoods and softwoods of North America. Skills learned can be applied to identification of non-native species as well.
Participants will learn to identify woods by studying both macroscopic and microscopic anatomical features. A great deal of information can be obtained simply by observing the structure of the wood viewed on the end grain with a hand lens and referring to Bruce Hoadley’s book Identifying Wood, but that doesn’t always suffice so additional tools will be presented, such as use of other reference books, samples, on-line databases and the microscope. Participants will receive a packet of reference materials to take with them, including samples of North American woods, a hand lens, tree and wood identification references, and other resources.
There will be hands-on exercises throughout the day working with the wood samples provided to help gain confidence and proficiency in identifying diagnostic characteristics. At the end of the day, all should be ready to put the knowledge gained into immediate practice. Wood identification requires a combination of practical skills and scientific knowledge and, like any craft, requires practice to master. Participants will be well on their way after this class.
Learning Objectives:
Know which physical characteristics can be used as clues to species identification
Have a basic knowledge of wood anatomy on a macroscopic and a microscopic level necessary for practical wood identification
Understand what to look for when examining wood in hand, using hand held magnifiers, and using the microscope
Have knowledge of good reference materials, including on-line resources, for wood
identification
Be able to identify many hardwood species commonly encountered in North America as well as several softwood species
Be able to apply wood identification techniques to an unknown wood sample
Required Tool/Supply List:
A razor sharp knife (we will also have some available)
A sharp block plane (we will also have some available)
Your own copy of Hoadley’s Identifying Wood
A small sample (under 1 pound) of an unknown wood of North American origin
About The Instructor:
Tom Nehil is a structural engineer in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he specializes in evaluation, preservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings. Tom is a member of the Timber Framers Guild and Timber Frame Engineering Council and chairs the Timber Grading Training Committee. He is a member of the Association for Preservation Technology, the Michigan Barn Preservation Network and the Michigan Historic Preservation Network along with other professional organizations. He is a regular instructor at Tillers International in Kalamazoo where he teaches wood identification, timber frame design, and traditional stone masonry. Tom’s interest in wood goes back to his days as a young professional carpenter prior to starting his engineering career. He is a woodworker, wood turner, and timber framer in his spare time.
Attendance Requirements: Students must attend all days
Location: Stubnitz Environmental Center, Heritage Park, 3221 N. Adrian Hwy Adrian, MI 49221 (see map below)
Class Size: Minimum 5 Students, Maximum 10
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If you have any questions about this class, please contact the Administrative Office at (517) 759-3070 or email sambeaufordwoodshop@gmail.com.
Proudly sponsored by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in an effort to promote Michigan's greatest natural resources... lumber!
The Stubnitz Environmental Center is located in the rear section of Heritage Park at 3221 N. Adrian Hwy Adrian, MI 49221. Directional signs will be placed within the park.
AIA Advance Learner Preparation: None
AIA Approved Learning Units & Type: 8 Elective
AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: 03/13/2027
Official AIA CES Provider Statement: Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 10009739. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3). This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.