Know Your Grains Even though arched patterns are hard to match, this look can be achieved through careful attention when selecting lumber. Notice the unmatched grain pattern on the left and how it compares to the visually appealing matched pattern on the right.
Selecting lumber is a skill that is just as important as cutting it. Because no two boards are alike, each project you build will be one of a kind. On the other hand, when you want the individual boards in a piece to match in appearance, the unique character of wood can seem more obstacle than asset. Go With the Grain There are two fundamentals to help explain why boards look differently. The first is the distribution of the annual growth rings in the tree, and the second is the orientation of the board as it's sawn from the log. Together these two factors create the varying patterns that are commonly called grain, although a more accurate term used by woodworkers is figure. Alternating light and dark rings in a log mark each growing season, creating a specific pattern on the flat surface of a board once it has been cut. Dark rings-generally spaced far apart-form large, sweeping arches located near the center in a pattern known as cathedral figure. Vertical grain, toward the outer edges, shows up as straight lines closely spaced together. Mix and Match . Radiata pine is good lumber to start with because it has distinct growth rings and patterns. When picking out boards, first look for those with similar color, and then narrow your selections based on the grain patterns. Begin by holding two boards edge to edge; you will soon discover that matching straight linear patterns is easiest. Arched patterns are difficult to align-even with boards that are cut from the same log. You can incorporate both grains in your project, but it is easier to create seamless, nice-looking joints when linear figures are near the edges of the boards. It goes with out saying get some sighted help to pick your boards. ********************************************************************** This message and its attachments may contain legally privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, you must not disclose or use the information contained in it. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail and delete the e-mail. Any content of this message and its attachments which does not relate to the official business of Eraring Energy must be taken not to have been sent or endorsed by Eraring Energy. No warranty is made that the e-mail or attachment(s) are free from computer virus or other defect. ********************************************************************** [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
