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Plain (Flat) sawn hardwood lumber is produced by making the first cut down the center of the log. The half log is mounted
with the heart side flat against the flitch table
of the slicer. The slicing is done parallel
to a line through the center of the log.
Plain sawn lumber is the most common
and widely used method of sawing it offers
a distinct cathedral effect to the grain on
the face of the boards.
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This linear grain pattern is achieved by milling perpendicular to log's growth rings. The log is milled on an angle between 45°
to 75°. Rift sawn lumber is dimensionally superior to both plain sawn and quarter sawn lumber. However, it also produces
the most waste, which will cost more per board foot than either quarter sawn and plain sawn lumber.
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To mill quarter sawn wood, each log is sawed at a radial angle into four quarters. Then each quarter is plain sawn. This produces a straight, linear grain pattern.
This method of quarter sawing does leave some waste, but much less than rift sawn lumber.
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Benefits of Plain/Flat Sawing :
- Faster to produce
- More affordable
- Displays varied grain patterns
& the unique "cathedral" appearance
- Readily available
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Benefits of Rift Sawing :
- Ideal for custom furniture makers to use for table, chair and other straight pieces
- The most dimensionally stable cut of lumber available
- Unique, linear appearance on both sides of the lumber planks
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Benefits of Quarter Sawing :
- Reduces shrinking and swelling in hardwood lumber width.
- Reduces twisting, warping and cupping.
- Is less prone to surface checking.
- More resistant to moisture penetration
- Has a smooth surface as raised grain is not pronounced.
- Ribbon aka "fleck" patterns
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