Replies

1. 
   calvinhobbs | Jul 27, 2009 08:57pm | #1

   Chippendale style crest rails are always sawn from the solid.  Grain running side to side, perpendicular to the back legs and splat. 

1. 
   delaunj53 | Jul 27, 2009 09:44pm | #2

   Thanks Calvin.

   Does it matter how the grain is oriented relative to your back touching the rail- quartersawn, riftsawn, etc??

1. 
   calvinhobbs | Jul 27, 2009 10:21pm | #3

   Somebody may have a different opinion, but I don't think so.  I would choose based on the appearance of the show face.  Straight grained material here would be good in most any situation.

1. 
   delaunj53 | Jul 27, 2009 10:33pm | #4

   great.  thanks a million.

2. 
   joinerswork | Jul 28, 2009 05:21pm | #5

   delaunj,

   "Does it matter how the grain is oriented relative to your back touching the rail- quartersawn, riftsawn, etc??"

   This will affect the appearance of the crest rail.  Sawing the curve into flatsawn stock will cut thru the growth rings, giving an appearance sort of like:   ))))X(((((  or

   ((((0))))  , depending on if the rings are facing towards or away from the face.  Rift or quartersawn stuff will show the growth rings as either slightly curving (if riftsawn) or straight lines (if quartersawn)  along the length of the rails.  If you want to match the appearance of the other chairs in the set, select your stock accordingly.

   Ray

    

2. 
   Shoemaker1 | Jul 29, 2009 12:17am | #6

   Why did those crest rails fail? I want to make a rocker for DW and avoid pitfalls
   Thanks

1. 
   delaunj53 | Jul 29, 2009 03:48pm | #7

   The chairs are mahogany, probably fifty years old.  It looks to me like they were probably cut from plainsawn stock.  I want to avoid this happening again, although if they last another fifty years I don't have anything to worry about I guess.  That's why I was thinking that a quartersawn face might be stronger.

1. 
   AdamCherubini | Jul 31, 2009 01:48pm | #8

   Just make sure you choose a board that matches the rest of the chair. DAMHIKT

   
1. 
   delaunj53 | Jul 31, 2009 04:58pm | #9

   A picture speaks volumes, doesn't it.  Great work, though.

2. 
   joinerswork | Jul 31, 2009 07:56pm | #10

   Adam,

   At Virginia Craftsmen, we used to say about occurrences like that, "Don't worry, the touch-up man will get it."

   Ray