I worked for 27 years as a piano designer, and one of the most valuable
resources I ever had was the US government's Forest Products Lab "Wood
Handbook". I had an old, dog-eared copy that was handed down to me from an
old veteran engineer who had worked for the company for over 40 years when I
arrived in 1973. I still have it, although it is pretty beat up.

It has been updated several times since the original 1920 something edition,
and is now available in downloadable .pdf documents at this link:

http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fp.../fplgtr113.htm

It is a wealth of information for any woodworker wanting to know more about
his medium, and especially how to design and build something that will last
a long, long time (Example: Chapter 12 - Drying and Control of Moisture
Content and Dimensional Changes). Some parts are pretty technical, but
there is something for everyone there. Enjoy!

babygrand