Quarter cut wood refers to lumber produced using a specific method of sawing logs known as quarter sawing. This cutting technique yields wood prized for its unique grain patterns, stability, and durability, making it a desirable choice for various applications.
Understanding Quarter Sawing
The process of creating quarter cut wood, or quarter sawing, is more labor-intensive than other methods like plain sawing (flat sawing). This difference in technique directly influences the resulting lumber's appearance and properties.
The reference explains the initial steps: the log is first quartered lengthwise, resulting in wedges with a right angle ending at approximately the center of the original log. This means the log is essentially cut into four equal parts along its length, creating four large, wedge-shaped pieces.
Next, Each quarter is then cut separately by tipping it up on its point and sawing boards successively along the axis. Rather than slicing horizontally across the log's diameter (like in plain sawing), the sawyer cuts boards from the pointed end towards the wider outer edge of each quarter. This method ensures that the growth rings in the resulting boards are relatively perpendicular (between 60 and 90 degrees) to the face of the board.
The Quarter Sawing Process in Steps
- Log Preparation: A log is selected and prepared for cutting.
- Quartering the Log: The log is cut lengthwise into four large wedge-shaped pieces, each meeting at the log's center.
- Positioning Quarters: Each quarter is then turned so its pointed end is facing upwards or towards the saw.
- Sawing Boards: Boards are cut sequentially from the point towards the bark edge of the quarter, ensuring the growth rings are oriented mostly perpendicular to the board's face.
Characteristics of Quarter Cut Wood
This specific sawing method results in lumber with distinct advantages and visual characteristics:
- Straight Grain Pattern: Quarter-sawn lumber typically exhibits a straight, parallel grain pattern. This is because the cuts are made perpendicular to the growth rings.
- Ray Fleck: A prominent feature in many quarter-sawn woods, especially hardwoods like oak, is the appearance of "ray flakes" or "fleck." These are the wood rays, which run perpendicular to the growth rings in the living tree, exposed as decorative streaks or patterns on the board's face.
- Increased Stability: Quarter-sawn wood is significantly more stable than plain-sawn lumber. It expands and contracts primarily in thickness rather than width when exposed to changes in moisture, making it less prone to cupping, warping, and twisting.
- Durability: Due to its straight grain and stability, quarter-sawn lumber is often more durable and wears more evenly.
Why Choose Quarter Cut Wood?
While more expensive due to the complex sawing process and lower yield per log compared to plain sawing, quarter cut wood is preferred for applications where stability, durability, and specific aesthetic qualities are paramount.
Common Uses
- Fine Furniture: Its stability and attractive grain patterns make it ideal for high-quality tables, chairs, and cabinets.
- Flooring: Quarter-sawn flooring is highly stable and durable, resisting seasonal movement and wear better than plain-sawn options.
- Musical Instruments: The straight grain and stability are crucial for crafting instrument components like guitar necks, violin backs, and piano parts, which require precise dimensions and resistance to warping.
- Architectural Millwork: Used in detailed trim, molding, and paneling where stability and a consistent look are important.
In summary, quarter cut wood is lumber produced by quartering a log and sawing boards perpendicular to the growth rings, resulting in a stable, durable material with unique grain patterns like ray fleck.
