Woodworker's Guide to Chatoyance: Choose the best lumber and make the most out of it Paperback – May 7, 2025

Unlock the secret to making wood come alive. The Woodworker's Guide to Chatoyance is the definitive resource for craftsmen seeking to achieve the stunning, three-dimensional luster that separates exceptional woodwork from the ordinary. Some call it sheen, others grain depth, but what exactly is this captivating quality? Artisans familiar with the legendary Hawaiian Koa know its potential, but which other species possess it, and what is the optimal finish to reveal their full glory?This guide provides unprecedented, data-driven answers. Utilizing an innovative measurement technology, we analyzed over 1,000,000 images from thousands of wood samples to quantify chatoyance for the first time.Inside this book, you will discover:The mechanics of wood chatoyance and how it can be precisely measured.A detailed discussion of figure types and how they combine with chatoyance.Comprehensive data and pictures for 573 distinct wood species.Guidance on which part of the tree and which cut yield the most vibrant results.Information on surface preparation processes for maximum luster.Empirical results from extensive finishing tests on 26 different wood species.Analysis of how chatoyance is affected by dying, roasting, sunlight, and more.Even if you simply appreciate the beauty of wood, the thousand-plus color-calibrated photographs across 273 premium, A4-sized pages will be a delight for your woodworker's soul. Read more