Tool-mark analysis (wood)
Definition
Examination of surface marks left by cutting, planing, or shaping tools to identify the tool type, size, and individual characteristics of the blade. Nicks, set irregularities, and pitch angle all transfer from tool to wood and can link a piece of wood to a specific machine or hand tool.
Related terms
- Crossgrain
- A condition in which the wood fibres run at an angle to the long axis of the piece. In Rail 16, Koehler...
- Grain matching
- The physical comparison of growth-ring pattern and fibre direction at a fracture or cut surface to an adjacent piece of wood. Because...
- Plane mark
- A surface trace left by a hand or machine plane, showing the arc of the blade stroke and any irregularities such as...
- Rail 16
- Koehler's designation for the left side rail of the bottom section of the Lindbergh ladder. The rail that was matched by grain,...
- Supply chain tracing
- In Koehler's investigation, the process of tracking the ladder lumber from the sawmill of origin through the distribution network to the retail...
Explained in
- The Lindbergh Kidnapping: Ladder EvidenceExamination of surface marks left by cutting, planing, or shaping tools to identify the tool type, size, and individual characteristics of the blade. Nicks, se...