ASH

 There are 16 species of ash which grow in the eastern United States. Of these, the white ash is the
largest and most commercially important.

Properties: Ash is a hard, heavy, ring porous hardwood. It has a prominent grain that resembles oak, and a white to light brown color. Ash can be differentiated from hickory (pecan) which it also resembles, by white dots in the darker summerwood which can be seen with the naked eye. Ash burls have a twisted, interwoven figure.

Uses: Ash is widely used for structural frames and steam bent furniture pieces. It is often less expensive than comparable hardwoods.

WALNUT

Walnut is one of the most versatile and popular cabinet making woods. It grows in Europe, America and Asia.
 There are many different varieties.

Properties: Walnut is strong, hard and durable, without being excessively heavy. It has excellent woodworking
 qualities, and takes finishes well. The wood is light to dark chocolate brown in color with a straight grain
in the trunk. Wavy grain is present toward the roots, and walnut stumps are often dug out and used as a source of highly figured veneer. Large burls are common. Walnut solids and veneers show a wide range of figures, including strips, burls, mottles, crotches, curls and butts. European walnut is lighter in color and slightly finer in texture than American black walnut, but otherwise comparable.

Uses: Walnut is used in all types of fine cabinet work, especially 1 8th century reproductions.

PINE
 Pine is a softwood which grows in most areas of the Northern Hemisphere. There are more than 100 species worldwide.The modern English name pine derives from Latin pinus, which some have traced to the Indo-European base *pīt- ‘resin’ (source of English pituitary).[3] In the past (pre-19th century) they were often known as fir, from Old Norse fura, by way of Middle English firre. The Old Norse name is still used for pines in some modern north European languages, in Danish fyr, in Norwegian fura/fure/furu, Swedish fura/furu, Dutch vuren, and German Föhre, but in modern English, fir is now restricted to fir (Abies) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga).
 Pine is a soft, white or pale yellow wood which is light weight, straight grained and lacks figure.
 It resists shrinking and swelling. Knotty pine is often used for decorative effect.
 Pine is often used for country or provincial furniture. Pickled, whitened, painted and oil finishes
 are often used on this wood.

Woodworking is a most satisfying pastime, so varied and multifaceted you will never complete the twin processes you have undertaken: acquiring tools and learning how to use them. You have begun a lifetime pursuit. ~Michael Dunbar, "Essential Tools"
The feel and beauty of finely crafted wood…the refreshing smell of your workshop…the absorbing joy of cutting and joining that makes the hours race by… These are the reasons you love woodworking. ~Jack Neff