[CAS14]

http://www.woodmagazine.com/materials-guide/lumber/wood-species-1/

 

[alador]

Excellent link. The information given for each species has a lot of facinating facts and stories.

 

[gdenby]

The historic backgrounds are a good read. The next article in that section had a brief about the woods of "Old Ironsides." What I learned there was that black locust, not too uncommon where I live, can be used for "tree nails." I have in mind making a few "Tau" topped canes, and was wondering how I might fasten them without metal hardware. I think I just had a clue.

 

[gdenby]

More of a lumber ID site, but has multiple fine detail pics of boards, veneers, etc of many species (perhaps 500).

http://www.hobbithouseinc.com/personal/woodpics/

There's a fair amount of general information for many species concerning the working properties.

Has a page listing woods that may have toxic properties. I see I am working with at least 6 kinds whose dust can cause eye and skin irritation.