WOODWORKING
To square wood properly, it is important that you learn to read the grain properly and read the
distortions clearly.
Reading the grain:
Determine the slope of the grain. Plane with the grain, not into the
open grain. Planing into the grain may cause “blow out”, chips, or at the
least a rough surface. All of these make your finish work more difficult.
Planing with the grain (i.e. in the same direction as the cutter), produces a
smooth surface and decreases your finish work sanding time and effort.Reading the Distortions:
Distortions were discussed in chapter two, Understanding Wood. Below is a quick review of
common warps:
Bow: A deviation flatwise from a
straight line drawn from end to
end of a piece. It is measured at
the point of greatest distance
from a straight line.
Crook or Crown: A deviation
edgewise from a straight line
drawn from end to end of a
piece. It is measured at the point
of greatest distance from a
straight line.
Cups: A deviation from a flat plane, edge to edge.
Kink or Dog leg: A deviation edgewise from a straight line towards one end of the lumber.
Twist: A deviation from the flat planes of all four faces by a spiraling action,
usually the result of seasoning.When squaring warped wood, place the portion of the board face down in the direction of the warp so that
the lumber is not rocking on the table as illustrated below.
Unit III: Project Construction