Arch:
Have thought about combining MRI images of a chunk of wood - converted to a
3D file - with a virtual 3D lathe (think google's SketchUp) and virtual
3D turning tools - to see what's inside a virtual version of the chunk of wood - as you virtually turn it - with the option of trying various centerlines and profiles.
MRI images of the joinery in some chinese furniture - which could then be virtually disassembled and examined might be interesting. And once you've got a virtual version of something - you can "print" an actual solid object. Having a library of solid models of joints could be really nice to have.
As usual Arch - thanks for an outside the box perspective.
charlie b