The Wood Mechanics — Decision System (PDF)
This is not a woodworking book. It’s a decision system for builders who already work with wood — and want fewer failures caused by wrong assumptions. What it does This system helps you recognize decision errors before irreversible steps. It does not teach techniques or projects. It shows how wood behaves under restraint, moisture, and load — and how certain construction choices predictably lead to cracks, cupping, twist, or joint failure. The value is not in learning more. The value is in stopping at the right moment. How it’s used You don’t read this cover to cover. You keep it as a shop reference and use it: before glue-ups before fixing panels into frames before surfacing or cutting stressed stock before finishing and delivery When something fails, you use it to diagnose why — so it doesn’t happen again. What’s inside Decision Rules Conservative rules that translate wood movement and mechanics into build decisions. Bench Protocols Short checklists for critical moments where mistakes become permanent. Failure Atlas A diagnostic reference for common failures, linking symptoms to causes and decision errors. Everything is structured around one logic: symptom → cause → decision error → consequence What this is NOT Not a project book Not step-by-step instruction Not a replacement for hands-on training Not inspiration or entertainment If you’re looking for tutorials or recipes, this is not for you. Who it’s for Woodworkers who already build furniture, panels, slabs, or large surfaces Builders working with expensive or unforgiving material Anyone who has paid for mistakes in time, material, or reputation People who care more about reliability than clever solutions Who it’s not for Beginners learning basic techniques Readers looking for visual walkthroughs Anyone expecting a book to replace experience Those who prefer reassurance over restraint Format Digital PDF Instant access Designed to be printable and usable at the bench One sentence THE WOOD MECHANICS helps experienced builders stop guessing — by turning wood behavior into decisions that prevent predictable failure.