The wood powder of Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar) was liquefied in phenol, with H2SO4 and HCl as a catalyst. The liquefied wood was used to prepare the liquefied wood-based novolak phenol formaldehyde (PF) resins by reacting with formalin. Furthermore, novolak PF resins were mixed with wood flour, hexamethylenetetramine, zinc stearate as filler, curing agent, and lubricating agent, respectively, and hot-pressed under 180 or 200 degrees C for 5 or 10 min to manufacture moldings. The results showed that physicomechanical properties of moldings were influenced by the hot-pressing condition. The molding made with hot-pressing temperature of 200 degrees C for 10 min had a higher curing degree, dimensional stability, and internal bonding strength. The thermal analysis indicated that using a hot-pressing temperature of 180 degrees C was not sufficient for the liquefied wood-based novolak PF resins to completely cure. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 113: 12571263, 2009