Plain Sawn
The most common method of sawing and consequently most lumber
is plain sawn. Plain sawn lumber is obtained by making
the first saw cut on a tangent to the circumference of the log
and the remaining cuts parallel to the first. This
method provides the widest boards and least waste; therefore,
it is the most economical.
Plain Sawn (tangential grain) is easily recognized by it cathedral
(Gothic arch) effect on the face of the board. The end
grain will have semi-circles and plain sawn lumber tends to
cup more than quartered or rift sawn lumber.
Rift Sawing
Rift sawing is very similar to
quarter sawing, and has the same advantages and limitations.
This method of sawing accentuates the vertical grain and minimizes
the flake, common in quarter sawn oak. The angle of the cut
is changed slightly so that fewer saw cuts are parallel to the
medullary rays, which are responsible for the flake effect. Rift
sawn lumber produces an almost straight grain with
practically no flake figure.
Quarter Sawn
Quarter sawn lumber is produced by
first quartering the log and then sawing it perpendicular to the
growth rings. All of the boards sawn thus are of radial
grain. When looking at the end grain, the annual growth
rings will be at 90 degrees to each face. Quarter sawn
lumber is termed "vertical grain" or "edge grain" in softwoods.
In Mahogany quarter sawn lumber is termed "ribbon stripe". This
method of sawing produces relatively narrow boards and creates more waste.
For these reasons (and the additional handling involved) quarter sawn lumber is much
more expensive than plain sawn. Quarter sawing evidences the medullary ray
(flake) in the face.
