WOODWORKING
Wane: The presence of bark or the lack of
wood fiber along the edge of a
piece of lumber. It does not affect
the strength of the wood. However,
it is restricted in framing lumber
due to the loss of a nailing edge.
Shake: A lengthwise separation of wood which occurs between or through the annual growth
rings. Shake often results from the tree racking in the wind.
Knot: One of the most prominent grading characteristics is a knot, which is a portion of a branch
or limb that has become incorporated in a piece of lumber. Knots affect the strength of
wood and are considered a natural strength reducing characteristic in structural lumber.
Hole: If a knot falls out of a piece of lumber it creates a hole. Holes can also be caused by forest
insects and during manufacturing. The opening can either extend entirely through the
wood or just partially, which is then often referred to as a surface pit. The hole has no
more effect on the strength than the knot of the same size.
Squaring the wood:
The term “square” refers to a perfect 90° angle. In other words, every face of the lumber is 90° to the
adjacent edge. When wood is joined, if it is square, the two pieces will form right angles to one another.
No light may be seen between boards. This assures that the glue is properly sealed to each edge with no
gaps.
Squaring wood begins with the jointer. Plane the faces first, then the edge. Once one edge is planed, use
the table saw to square the final edge. Read the grain properly before planing (see above)
Once the edges of two pieces of lumber are squared, you may begin gluing.
Aligning the Grain:
When gluing two pieces of wood together
along the edge, alternate end grain patterns.
This prevents the assembled stock from
cupping.
Joinery
