“What does quartersawn mean? Quarter sawn lumber refers to wood where the annular growth rings intersect the face of the board at a precise 60 to 90 degree angle, resulting in a unique visual characteristic. In short, quartersawn lumber is defined by the angle of the rings, with fully quarter sawn lumber featuring growth rings that are 80 to 90 degrees to the face, making it a sought-after choice for woodworkers and DIYers looking for high-quality lumber.
What’s the Best Way to Recognize Quartersawn Lumber?
You’re looking to work with quartersawn lumber, but how do you know you’ve got the good stuff? Here are the key things to check:
1. Look for a straight, vertical grain
A quarter-sawn plank will have a straight, vertical grain that runs perpendicular to the face of the wood. A radial-sawn plank, on the other hand, will have a more curved grain.
2. Check the growth rings
When looking at the end of the plank, if the growth rings are visible, take note of their orientation. For a quarter-sawn plank, the growth rings will be parallel to the face of the wood. For radial-sawn, they’ll be more diagonal.
3. Examine the pith and heart
The pith is the center of the tree, and the heart is the region surrounding it. For a quarter-sawn plank, these areas will be visible on the edges of the wood. The pith will be a dark, tight-grained area, and the heart will be a bit lighter and more “heart-shaped”.
4. Use a grain marker
A grain marker is a simple tool that can help you quickly identify the grain direction of the wood. Place the marker on the face of the wood, and press firmly. If it indicates a vertical grain, you’ve got quartersawn lumber.
5. Test the wood
Run your hand over the face of the wood to get a sense of the grain direction. Quartersawn lumber typically feels smooth and even, while radial-sawn can feel more uneven and rough.
What Does Quartersawn Mean in Woodworking?
When it comes to woodworking, you might have come across the term “quartersawn.” So, what does it mean? Let’s dive in and explore the world of wood grain angles.
What is Quartersawing?
Quartersawing is a woodworking process that involves cutting wood across its grain, creating a unique angle between the wood fibers and the saw blade. This angle is approximately 90 degrees, meaning the saw is cutting at a right angle to the wood fibers.
How Does It Affect Wood Appearance?
Quartersawing has a significant impact on the appearance of the wood. The resulting boards, also known as quartersawn boards, exhibit a more uniform and straight grain pattern. This is because the sawing process aligns the wood fibers, reducing the likelihood of figuring and tear-out.
Advantages of Quartersawn Wood
- Improved durability : The uniform grain pattern makes the wood more resistant to warping and splitting.
- Better stability : Quartersawn wood is less prone to shrinkage and expansion, which can cause distortions in the wood.
- Enhanced appearance : The straight grain pattern creates a visually appealing appearance, making it ideal for furniture-making and wood carvings.
Using Quartersawn Wood in Your Projects
- Choose the right wood : Select woods that are naturally straight-grained, such as oak, maple, or cherry.
- Cut with care : Use a high-quality saw and cutting techniques to minimize tear-out and splintering.
- Work with the grain : Always cut with the grain to avoid damaging the wood.
What’s the Significance of Annular Rings in Quartersawn Lumber?
When it comes to woodworking, understanding the significance of annular rings in quartersawn lumber is crucial. But what exactly are annular rings, and why are they important?
- Annular rings are the growth rings that occur in trees, which are made up of light-colored summer wood and darker-colored winter wood.
- Quartersawn lumber is a type of lumber that is cut in such a way that the growth rings are visible, appearing as concentric circles or rings.
- The significance of annular rings in quartersawn lumber lies in their ability to reveal information about the tree’s growth patterns and environmental conditions during that period.
- For example, trees that grew in areas with plenty of moisture will tend to have wider, more prominent rings, while trees that grew in drier conditions will have narrower rings.
- Quartersawn lumber is often used in high-end furniture making and woodworking projects because of its unique, decorative appearance. The annular rings can also serve as a way to date the lumber or identify its origin.
How is Quartersawn Lumber Cut from Logs?
Quartersawn lumber is cut from logs in a way that reduces the risk of warping and twisting. Unlike plain sawn lumber, which is cut in a straight line down the log, quartersawn lumber is cut in a diagonal direction, following the natural grain of the wood.
Cutting the Log
To cut quartersawn lumber, the log is first debarked and cut into rough planks, known as “flitches.” The flitches are then placed on a machine called a “quarter saw,” which cuts the wood diagonally, following the grain. This process is repeated until the desired thickness is achieved.
Cutting Patterns
There are two common cutting patterns used to produce quartersawn lumber: radial and diagonal. Radial cutting involves cutting the wood in a straight line, parallel to the pith (the center of the tree), while diagonal cutting involves cutting the wood in a diagonal direction, following the grain.
Benefits of Quartersawn Lumber
Quartersawn lumber is often used for furniture making, cabinetmaking, and other applications where stability and strength are important. The diagonal cutting pattern helps to minimize warping and twisting, resulting in lumber that is less prone to shrinkage and more resistant to movement.
Tools and Equipment
The tools and equipment used to cut quartersawn lumber include:
- Quarter saw machines
- Circular saws
- Table saws
- Planers
Tricks of the Trade
To get the most out of quartersawn lumber, woodworkers often use special techniques, such as:
- Cutting with the grain
- Using a sharp saw blade
- Cutting in small sections
- Using a vacuum to remove chips and debris
Quartersawn lumber is a high-quality type of lumber that is cut from logs in a way that reduces the risk of warping and twisting. By following the natural grain of the wood and using special techniques, woodworkers can produce lumber that is stable, strong, and durable. Whether you’re building a piece of furniture or creating a work of art, quartersawn lumber is a great choice for any woodworking project.
