Wood science and materials.
The USDA Forest Products Laboratory publishes the Wood Handbook, a detailed reference for understanding wood’s properties. Use technical references alongside supplier information for your actual stock.
USDA Forest Products Laboratory: Wood Handbook ↗
Workshop safety.
CCOHS offers task-oriented woodworking safety information. OSHA’s woodworking resources cover workplace hazards and controls. Their scope differs, so follow the material relevant to your situation and the manual for your equipment.
Product instructions.
For adhesives, finishes, blades, and machinery, locate the current technical data sheet, safety data sheet, and manual from the manufacturer. Match the model and product name exactly. Cure time, ventilation, compatible materials, setup, and storage are product-specific.
Bring a question to the bench.
Choose one small idea from your reading and try it on suitable scrap using a safe method. Record the material, conditions, and result. A notebook of observations is more useful than a collection of settings copied without context.