Rift Sawn Vs Quarter Sawn: Choose The Best Lumber

Choosing the right lumber for your woodworking project can feel like navigating a forest of confusing terms and subtle differences. Two terms you'll frequently encounter are "rift sawn" and "quarter sawn," both referring to specific ways a log is cut into boards. Understanding the characteristics of each cut is crucial for ensuring the stability, appearance, and overall success of your project. Let's demystify these sawing methods and help you determine which one best suits your needs.

What's the Big Deal About How Lumber Is Cut?

The way a log is sawn significantly impacts the wood's grain pattern, stability, and how it reacts to changes in humidity. Think of it like this: wood is essentially a bundle of straws (the wood fibers) running lengthwise. The closer you get to cutting these straws straight on, the more stable and less prone to warping the wood becomes. Different sawing methods expose these "straws" at different angles, leading to varying properties.

Plain Sawn: The Most Common (and Least Stable) Cut

Before diving into rift and quarter sawn, it's helpful to understand plain sawn lumber, also known as flat sawn. This is the most common and economical method. Plain sawn boards are cut tangentially to the tree's growth rings, resulting in a cathedral-like grain pattern on the face of the board.

Pros of Plain Sawn:

• Cost-effective: Maximizes yield from each log, making it the most affordable option.
• Attractive grain: The cathedral pattern is often visually appealing.

Cons of Plain Sawn:

• Less stable: Prone to warping, cupping, and twisting due to uneven drying and moisture absorption.
• Uneven wear: Softer earlywood is exposed on the surface, leading to uneven wear over time.

Quarter Sawn: Stability and Straight Grain

Quarter sawn lumber is produced by sawing the log radially, with the growth rings hitting the face of the board at a 60-90 degree angle. This results in a straight, vertical grain pattern.

How is Quarter Sawn Lumber Made?

The process typically involves first quartering the log and then sawing each quarter perpendicular to the growth rings. This method is more labor-intensive and generates more waste compared to plain sawing.

Pros of Quarter Sawn:

• Exceptional stability: Less prone to warping, cupping, and twisting.
• Straight, consistent grain: Provides a uniform and aesthetically pleasing look.
• Even wear: The hard latewood is exposed on the surface, resulting in more consistent wear resistance.
• Pronounced medullary rays: In some species, like oak, quarter sawing reveals beautiful medullary rays, adding character and visual interest.
• Better paint adhesion: The straight grain provides a better surface for paint to adhere to.

Cons of Quarter Sawn:

• More expensive: Due to the increased labor and waste involved in the sawing process.
• Narrower boards: The sawing method typically yields narrower boards compared to plain sawn.

Rift Sawn: A Balance Between Stability and Cost

Rift sawn lumber is cut perpendicular to the growth rings at a 30-60 degree angle. This produces a straight grain pattern similar to quarter sawn, but without the prominent medullary rays.

How is Rift Sawn Lumber Made?

Rift sawing involves orienting the log so that the saw cuts are made radiating out from the center of the log. This requires more adjustments and maneuvering of the log during the sawing process.

Pros of Rift Sawn:

• Good stability: More stable than plain sawn, but slightly less stable than quarter sawn.
• Straight grain: Offers a clean, consistent look.
• Less prone to ray fleck: Avoids the prominent medullary rays that some may find undesirable.
• Wider boards (potentially): Can sometimes yield slightly wider boards than quarter sawn, depending on the log.
• Often less expensive than quarter sawn: While still more expensive than plain sawn, it often strikes a good balance between cost and stability.

Cons of Rift Sawn:

• More expensive than plain sawn: Requires more labor and generates more waste.
• Not as stable as quarter sawn: While still stable, it doesn't offer the same level of resistance to warping as quarter sawn.
• Can be difficult to find: Not as readily available as plain sawn or even quarter sawn in some regions.

Quarter Sawn vs. Rift Sawn: Key Differences Summarized

Here's a quick comparison to highlight the key distinctions:

When to Choose Quarter Sawn

• High-end furniture: Where stability and aesthetics are paramount.
• Flooring: Especially in high-traffic areas or where moisture is a concern.
• Musical instruments: The stability and tonal qualities are highly valued.
• Exterior applications: Such as siding or trim, where resistance to warping is crucial.
• Projects showcasing medullary rays: If you desire the distinctive look of ray fleck (e.g., in white oak).

When to Choose Rift Sawn

• Furniture: Where a clean, straight grain is desired without prominent medullary rays.
• Cabinetry: Offers a good balance of stability and cost.
• Millwork: Such as trim and moldings, where a consistent grain pattern is important.
• Projects where stability is important, but budget is a concern: Rift sawn provides a step up in stability from plain sawn without the premium price of quarter sawn.

Making the Right Choice: Considerations Beyond the Cut

While the sawing method is crucial, other factors also influence the suitability of lumber for a specific project:

• Wood species: Different species have inherent properties that affect their stability, hardness, and appearance. Oak, for example, is known for its prominent medullary rays when quarter sawn, while maple may not exhibit this feature as strongly.
• Moisture content: Ensure the lumber is properly dried to the appropriate moisture content for your region and application.
• Grading: Lumber is graded based on its appearance and the presence of defects. Choose a grade that meets the requirements of your project.
• Budget: Consider the cost of different sawing methods and species when planning your project.

Finding Rift and Quarter Sawn Lumber

Locating rift and quarter sawn lumber can sometimes require more effort than finding plain sawn. Here are some tips:

• Specialty lumber suppliers: These suppliers often specialize in high-quality hardwoods and offer a wider range of sawing methods.
• Online retailers: Many online lumber retailers carry rift and quarter sawn lumber.
• Local sawmills: Some sawmills may offer custom sawing services, allowing you to specify the sawing method.
• Ask your lumber dealer: Even if they don't stock rift and quarter sawn lumber regularly, they may be able to special order it for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is "medullary ray fleck"?

Medullary rays are cellular structures that radiate outward from the center of the tree. In quarter sawn lumber, they appear as shimmering flakes or patterns on the surface, particularly noticeable in oak.

Is quarter sawn lumber always the best choice?

Not necessarily. While it offers superior stability, it's also more expensive and may not be necessary for all projects. The best choice depends on the specific requirements of your project and your budget.

How can I identify quarter sawn lumber?

Look for straight, vertical grain lines running along the face of the board. The growth rings should be oriented at a 60-90 degree angle to the surface.

Does the sawing method affect the wood's strength?

While the sawing method primarily affects stability, it can indirectly influence strength. More stable wood is less likely to warp or crack, which can compromise its structural integrity.

Can I use plain sawn lumber for furniture?

Yes, you can, but you'll need to take precautions to minimize warping. Consider using thicker stock, careful joinery techniques, and appropriate finishing to stabilize the wood.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between rift sawn and quarter sawn lumber depends on your project's specific needs and your budget. Understanding the properties of each cut empowers you to make informed decisions that contribute to the longevity and beauty of your woodworking creations. Consider the balance between stability, aesthetics, and cost to choose the best lumber for your next project.