Tip #66
How to Read Wood Grain
Right Click here to download a printer friendly version of Tip-
Pg. 1-2 (1801 KB)
Help with Downloading PDF Files

Mohogany, African (crotch)

Since many types of grain may exist in a single board, the overall grain direction may be completely different at each end. If you have a board like this, “reading” the grain can be more art than science.

Look at the entire board and average out the effects of the different gain patterns. Do your best to determine the feed direction. Then make the first pass with a very shallow depth of cut at the slowest feed rate. If the board chips or tears, reverse the feed direction and try again. If the board still tears, check your planer knives for alignment and sharpness. Shaper knives and precise setup are absolutely essential for best results.

Elm, Carpathian (burl--half-round)

Maple (bird's eye --half-round)

Once you're getting good results on one side of the board, you're ready to start planing the other side. But don't panic! The second side is always easier than the first. Just flip the board over, turn it end-for-end, and feed it through using the same planer settings.

Pine, White (plain sliced -- knotty)

Pine, Southern Yellow (plain sliced)

Back to Introduction
Back to Characteristics