Thanks George. I've been working with wood for many years and never fully understood the differences between these two methods of cutting lumber. In a few minutes you very clearly answered all my questions. Excellent!
Jeez, where were you when I was in shop class in high school? Best explanation of plain, quarter, and rift sawing ever! Thanks so much for posting, need any interns?
This is absolutely priceless. Anybody who even plans to build anything with wood should be required by law to watch this first! LOL Hard to believe it's been 3 years since somebody left a comment.
Well George I've never quite grasp the differences between these two different sawn methods before until now. Its very simple the way you've explained it, other folks have complicated the day lights out of it, so that I could never quite get it, until now. Great Job on explaining these differences thanks. George.
Now I get it. Thank you!!! Great explanation and you cleared up a lot of misunderstanding. You didn't mention its properties with musical instruments, (especially with spruce) but armed with what you gave us, we can extend the basic concept to other applications. Thank you again!!
Thank you so much for such a clear and simple explanation... you were so easy to follow/understand... this is not the first video of yours that I've watched and you are a great Teacher.... thank you
Excellent video. I had my Carpenter/Builder create my TV surround with quarter sawn Red Oak at his recommendation... so glad I did... it came out beautiful just as this gentleman said in the video.
Great video. A thing I would add is that vertical grain as in quartersawn is better for application where wood is bent, such as bows or for steaming and bending. Flat sawn wood will more easily delaminate and break with bending stress. That's also why tool handles have the grain oriented direction of strike.
A concise & excellent explanation of the process. Kudos! Many woodworkers don't realize that the quarter-sawing process can produce a percentage of plain-sawn boards when the grain rings are more like ovals than a perfect circles. The same ruler lines on a less uniform cookie would show how this happens.
Thanks guys, so clear. I'm about to quarter saw some W-R cedar a bit more scientifically than normal, and this was a tremendous help, Andrew SW England
Thanks for this: I'm a British carpentry student studying in Germany and this sort of thing is really helpful when I'm not able to get hold of a woodworking concept in German and need a bit more explanation. Thanks...
echoing pretty much everyone here, this is an EXCELLENT video. No one could ever explain to me how my favorite wood (quarter-sawn white oak) was produced. As a bonus, I was wondering what they did with the pieces that weren't perpendicular and then BOOM - that's rift sawn wood. again, great job to all involved!
Wow... I don't know ANYTHING about wood, but this video helped me in my quest to match our wood island with wood for our countertops. Very clear and concise! Still a mystery, but at least I know what it's not, lol.
in lumberyards they generally seal the endgrain of logs with colored paint and the pattern on the rough faces are difficult to read. any tips (apart from any obvious cupping) on how to easily spot plain sawn and quarter sawn lumber in a mystery pile ?? thanks
So for the pros out there. Quarter sawn is best for technical/detail work. Cabinets, furniture, etc... plain sawn is fine for framing, siding (at least 1" thick), etc...? Excellent video
Why is the cupping the opposite with treated lumber? When building decks we put the crown up, frown face, so if the board does cup it does so with the arch up instead of the outside corners turning up into a cup shape which holds water. Very strange that it would be different with non treated wood.
nice explanation. in lumber grading class we were told to watch out for spike knots in vertical grain lumber. or is your video only about woodworking lumber and not structural? please reply.
For the flat sawn boards, wouldn’t the board coming from near the center (like the first one drawn here) be like quartersawn from the way the rings run? Do they usually sell the center board of from flatsawing process as quartersawn?
Hello, Thank you for contacting us. Yes, it would. Whether or not it is sold as quartersawn depends on the supplier, but I'd say typically the boards are not sold as quartersawn. Sometimes, I suppose. Paul Woodworkers Guild of America
Great video and I was with you all the way until you got to rift sawing. Another site implied that a rift sawn board was better/more desirable/more expensive than quarter sawn but.....wouldn't the straight grain of quarter sawn be best? Seems like the somewhat curved grain of the rift sawn board would be more likely to cup, similar to flat sawn.
Hi John. I agree with your assessment. I'd prefer quartersawn in terms of both appearance and stability. Also, quartersawn is normally more expensive in my experience. Thanks Paul-Woodworkers Guild of America
Plain saw wood is used for structural purposes generally speaking.such as in rafters and floor joist and even stud ..they may cup but have a stronger breaking point.
very interesting...can you put up a tutorial on how to quarter saw resawn lumber in a small garage shop on a bandsaw..? how can i do this in my shop..?
A little confused here. The plain sawn boards closer to the center of the log would have rings going perpendicular to the edge (clearly seen at 3:26). According to your explanation, would those boards not be referred to as quarter sawn as well?
I'm doing research for a book on flooring and learned a great deal from your video. I know nothing about wood or milling but I have to ask: Are you sure it's "Plain Sawn" instead of "Plane Sawn"?
Hello Frank, Glad the videos were helpful. Let’s Google your question….www.hardwooddistributors.org/blog/postings/what-is-the-difference-between-quarter-sawn-rift-sawn-and-plain-sawn-lumber/ www.advantagelumber.com/sawn-lumber/ lacrosseflooring.com/blog-articles/plain-sawn-vs-rift-quartered/ www.finehomebuilding.com/2018/07/10/quartersawn-wood-rift-sawn-wood-explained blog.carbideprocessors.com/uncategorized/quarter-sawn-lumber-vs-plain-sawn-lumber/ Hope this is helpful, GeorgeWoodWorkers Guild of America Video Membership
One of the most straightforward explanations I have heard - thanks!
Thanks George. I've been working with wood for many years and never fully understood the differences between these two methods of cutting lumber. In a few minutes you very clearly answered all my questions. Excellent!
This man taught me more in 6 minutes than 30 minutes of reading ARE materials. Thank you!
I've been wondering the difference between the three cuts for quite some time now and have NEVER found a better explanation than this. THANK YOU.
Jeez, where were you when I was in shop class in high school? Best explanation of plain, quarter, and rift sawing ever! Thanks so much for posting, need any interns?
I finally understand what the fuss is all about, thanks.
Thanks for simply clarifying the difference between quarter sawn and rift sawn wood. Took 70 years for me to get it,
Very clear and logical explanation. More people at woodworkers stores should see this. Thank you.
You answered a question that I've wanted to know for a while. You gave an easy to understand demonstration. Thanks.
Thanks for a very simple, yet a straight forward explanation.
This is a spectacular video and explained so cleanly. Well done sir; thank you!
So glad to hear this was helpful!
2020 and I just found this site! Great visual explanation!
This is absolutely priceless. Anybody who even plans to build anything with wood should be required by law to watch this first! LOL Hard to believe it's been 3 years since somebody left a comment.
The best explanation on quarter sawing!
Well George I've never quite grasp the differences between these two different sawn methods before until now. Its very simple the way you've explained it, other folks have complicated the day lights out of it, so that I could never quite get it, until now. Great Job on explaining these differences thanks. George.
I learned so much in that 6 minutes of video! Thank you!
One of the best explanations ive found on you tube so far. Thank you
Great, very clear, and under standing info. Great video.
Not one unnecessary word in a perfectly clear explanation of a potentially confusing and boring subject. Thanks.
My guitar-building life has changed because of this very very simple video.
Wondering how the tone would change with quarter sawn wood though.... forgive my ignorance.... I have a few Martin's and they sound great....
As has my drum building
High-End Hand-Crafted Guitars mostly rely on Quarter-SAWN soundboards & tonewoods
berringaboy I came here trying to find why quarter sawn is best for the neck
Some of the best information is available on this channel. Keep up the great work!
Now I get it. Thank you!!! Great explanation and you cleared up a lot of misunderstanding. You didn't mention its properties with musical instruments, (especially with spruce) but armed with what you gave us, we can extend the basic concept to other applications. Thank you again!!
Thank you so much for such a clear and simple explanation... you were so easy to follow/understand... this is not the first video of yours that I've watched and you are a great Teacher.... thank you
This was excellent. Everyone on TH-cam needs to take a lesson from this guy.
Chris Sullivan you sure? At 1:46 he seems to be taking the pith...
Excellent video. I had my Carpenter/Builder create my TV surround with quarter sawn Red Oak at his recommendation... so glad I did... it came out beautiful just as this gentleman said in the video.
Best bit of knowledge I learned today, thanks. Cheers.
Wow great video and good job explaining. I now understand the process. Thank you
I agree, best explanation of quarter sawn boards that I've ever seen. You made that so simple to understand. Thank you for a great tutorial.
The art of teaching is to take the complex and make it simple. This you have achieved, thank you now I finally understand.
Thank you... excellent work. Your generosity is much appreciated.
Now I know. You make it very easy to understand. Thank you.
Yes, the plain sawing process inherently produces some pieces that have quarter sawn characteristics.
Great! Thanks for the feedback! Happy woodworking!
Great video. A thing I would add is that vertical grain as in quartersawn is better for application where wood is bent, such as bows or for steaming and bending. Flat sawn wood will more easily delaminate and break with bending stress. That's also why tool handles have the grain oriented direction of strike.
Excellent point, friend!
Thanks Phil! This helped me get my jimmy understood!
Great explanation. Thank you, George.
A concise & excellent explanation of the process. Kudos! Many woodworkers don't realize that the quarter-sawing process can produce a percentage of plain-sawn boards when the grain rings are more like ovals than a perfect circles. The same ruler lines on a less uniform cookie would show how this happens.
This is exactly what I was looking to learn. Thank you.
Thanks guys, so clear. I'm about to quarter saw some W-R cedar a bit more scientifically than normal, and this was a tremendous help, Andrew SW England
Best explanation I have ever heard or seen great job
Straight to the point and very well explained. Thanks!
just thank-you. nothing else needed
Thanks for this: I'm a British carpentry student studying in Germany and this sort of thing is really helpful when I'm not able to get hold of a woodworking concept in German and need a bit more explanation. Thanks...
One of the best explanations!
Thanks for this. Great simple explanation that’s helped me immensely.
Omgoodness thank you so much for explaining that and for the visual! I finally get it!
Thank you so much for your teaching ability
well done. excellent explanation. Suggest an updated HD version. Video a bit rough.
That is an excellent explanation of the differences between plain sawn and quarter sawn
thanks
Now there is 6:21 worth of knowledge that I didn’t know I needed, nicely done.
The flame patterns look nice.
echoing pretty much everyone here, this is an EXCELLENT video. No one could ever explain to me how my favorite wood (quarter-sawn white oak) was produced. As a bonus, I was wondering what they did with the pieces that weren't perpendicular and then BOOM - that's rift sawn wood. again, great job to all involved!
Wow... I don't know ANYTHING about wood, but this video helped me in my quest to match our wood island with wood for our countertops. Very clear and concise! Still a mystery, but at least I know what it's not, lol.
Thank you! Visual, hands on, easy explanation. Perfect! : )
Thank you for a clear explanation, much appreciated.
Excellent explanation and demonstration. Perfect.
thank you after all these years i finally have a Clear understanding
Thank you for the explanation. I always heard the terms and now I know what they are. 👍🏼
good explanation great effort simple learning learnt a lot.
Fascinating and perfectly explained!
simply short but very effective comparison
very good video, easy and simple explanation of a confusing concept!
Well done George. Best explanation I have seen.
Thank you! That is the best explanation of quarter sawn wood I have heard.
A big thank you.You just enlightened me about quater sawned wood for guitar which always baffled me thanks again
in lumberyards they generally seal the endgrain of logs with colored paint and the pattern on the rough faces are difficult to read. any tips (apart from any obvious cupping) on how to easily spot plain sawn and quarter sawn lumber in a mystery pile ?? thanks
Great video !!!!! Thank you !!!!
Thanks for such a great video. We have always loved quarter sawn antique furniture and this explained how it is done from the cut stage....super!
Perfectly explained. Thank you.
So for the pros out there. Quarter sawn is best for technical/detail work. Cabinets, furniture, etc... plain sawn is fine for framing, siding (at least 1" thick), etc...?
Excellent video
Thank you for the excellent explanation & demonstration 😊
I`m 77 now & never have had it explained like that, I knew the difference but now I undestand
Thank you so much. It was very useful and very well presented!
Great, simple explanation. Thanks George...
Why is the cupping the opposite with treated lumber? When building decks we put the crown up, frown face, so if the board does cup it does so with the arch up instead of the outside corners turning up into a cup shape which holds water. Very strange that it would be different with non treated wood.
nice explanation. in lumber grading class we were told to watch out for spike knots in vertical grain lumber. or is your video only about woodworking lumber and not structural?
please reply.
Great demonstration and explanation thanks
For the flat sawn boards, wouldn’t the board coming from near the center (like the first one drawn here) be like quartersawn from the way the rings run? Do they usually sell the center board of from flatsawing process as quartersawn?
Hello,
Thank you for contacting us.
Yes, it would. Whether or not it is sold as quartersawn depends on the supplier, but I'd say typically the boards are not sold as quartersawn. Sometimes, I suppose.
Paul
Woodworkers Guild of America
Thank you ! Splendidly clear !
Fantastic video, thank you!
Perfect education, thank you.
Thank you! Happy woodworking!
Terrific! I finally understand the difference.
Could you tell me which way would be best for strength in the timber?
Great video and I was with you all the way until you got to rift sawing. Another site implied that a rift sawn board was better/more desirable/more expensive than quarter sawn but.....wouldn't the straight grain of quarter sawn be best? Seems like the somewhat curved grain of the rift sawn board would be more likely to cup, similar to flat sawn.
Hi John. I agree with your assessment. I'd prefer quartersawn in terms of both appearance and stability. Also, quartersawn is normally more expensive in my experience.
Thanks
Paul-Woodworkers Guild of America
Thanks. Is 1/4 sawn less susceptible to bending, as in say a guitar neck?
Douglas Fir is also quarter sawn to get vertical grain DF?
Plain saw wood is used for structural purposes generally speaking.such as in rafters and floor joist and even stud ..they may cup but have a stronger breaking point.
Which one will stain better? Quarter or flat or is there a difference.
excellent good job in explaining the difference
very interesting...can you put up a tutorial on how to quarter saw resawn lumber in a small garage shop on a bandsaw..? how can i do this in my shop..?
A little confused here. The plain sawn boards closer to the center of the log would have rings going perpendicular to the edge (clearly seen at 3:26). According to your explanation, would those boards not be referred to as quarter sawn as well?
Very helpful! Thank you.
Well explained Thanks so much.
So the center boards from a normal cut are very much like quarter sawn boards!
Thank you. Lot of people don't know this. You would be shocked at the people that don't know the length from the width of a board.
many thanks for video George
Where would quarter sawn timber be used in woodworking industry (I guess fine furniture )
tim hayes hardwood flooring as well
Excellent tutorial.
very nice video, easy to understand. thank you
I'm doing research for a book on flooring and learned a great deal from your video. I know nothing about wood or milling but I have to ask: Are you sure it's "Plain Sawn" instead of "Plane Sawn"?
Hello Frank,
Glad the videos were helpful. Let’s Google your question….www.hardwooddistributors.org/blog/postings/what-is-the-difference-between-quarter-sawn-rift-sawn-and-plain-sawn-lumber/
www.advantagelumber.com/sawn-lumber/
lacrosseflooring.com/blog-articles/plain-sawn-vs-rift-quartered/
www.finehomebuilding.com/2018/07/10/quartersawn-wood-rift-sawn-wood-explained
blog.carbideprocessors.com/uncategorized/quarter-sawn-lumber-vs-plain-sawn-lumber/
Hope this is helpful,
GeorgeWoodWorkers Guild of America Video Membership