How Sawing Techniques Affect Wood Grain

If you are just getting started out on doing a little bit of woodwork, then one thing you should keep in mind is that the way the wood is cut will affect the grain.  The following are a few sawing techniques and how they will affect your wood’s grain:

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  Plain sawn – The most common lumber is plain sawn lumber due to the fact that it’s the most affordable way to manufacture logs. It results in a cathedraling pattern, which is when the rings begin into the pattern and then return back on themselves.

• Quarter sawn – These boards are cut within a 60 degree to 90 degree angle to the wood’s growth rings. This results in a straight and consistent pattern. We recommend these boards for modern design projects.

• Rift sawn – Rift sawn is the most expensive type of wood cut because it produces the most waste. The boards are cut perpendicular to the wood’s growth rings. It results in the most dimensionally stable cut of lumber possible.

These are the most common sawing techniques and the grains they will result in. For information about our Kansas City lumberyard, be sure to contact us at Schutte Lumber today.

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