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Read More Articles by Gene Wengert

Gene Wengert (1942-2025) was popularly known as “The Wood Doctor.” He trained thousands of people in efficient use of wood for more than 50 years and authored foundational resources on wood technology. He worked at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Virginia Tech. His popular "Wood Doctor's Rx" column has appeared regularly in FDM and FDMC magazine since 1978. Because so much of his advice was timeless, he asked that we continue to run his columns in memoriam.

Wood Dr

Is it really heart pine?

Trying to confirm an antique wood species, plus a question about justifying an in-line moisture meter.

By Gene Wengert, November 1, 2023 | 2:21 pm CDT

Wood Dr

Solving stickers & color changes when drying wood, plus more FAQs

The Wood Doctor also answers questions on about predrilling for screws.

By Gene Wengert, October 13, 2023 | 3:40 pm CDT

Wood Dr

Battling powderpost beetles plus more FAQs

The Wood Doctor also answers questions on whether owning a sawmill is worth it, lumber grading and yield.

By Gene Wengert, September 20, 2023 | 10:46 am CDT

Wood Explorer

Cocobolo: Beautiful wood, surprisingly stable, but rare and expensive

Cocobolo or cocobola (Dalbergia retusa) is one of the most beautiful woods in the world.

By Gene Wengert, September 20, 2023 | 10:29 am CDT

Wood Explorer

Bamboo: What you need to know to use a grass that works like wood

Bamboo is not wood, but a grass with no woody material in its stem. But we are seeing more and more use of this grass in cabinets and as a wood substitute. And I have seen some pretty good-looking bamboo items.

By Gene Wengert, August 4, 2023 | 3:05 pm CDT

Wood Dr

What is the future of wood?

Also answers on walnut toxicity, paint peeling in pine, and kiln temperatures.

By Gene Wengert, August 4, 2023 | 11:02 am CDT

Wood Explorer

Koa: Beautiful, plentiful, and widely useful Hawaiian wood

Koa (Acacia koa) is a legume tree native to Hawaii. It is found on all the big islands and grows from near sea-level to the tops of the mountains, although it prefers the moist sites between 3,000 to 6,000 feet. It has been reported that trees from areas of heavy rain produce straight grain, while those at higher elevations produce more figured wood. Koa is the best known wood from the Hawaiian Islands.

By Gene Wengert, June 26, 2023 | 9:55 am CDT

Wood Dr