Replies

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Feb 03, 2009 01:19pm | #1

   Steve,

   You want rift sawn for all the reasons you cited not the least of which is strength.  Irion perhaps?  I understand that they will provide wood to your specifications and with their experience in building pieces would think they would know/have just what you're looking for.

   I'm sure you know to orient the grain across the knee.

   Regards,

   Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

   
   

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   Edited 2/3/2009 5:21 am ET by KiddervilleAcres

2. 
   joinerswork | Feb 03, 2009 04:32pm | #2

   Steve,

   I usually get random-width 12/4 stock.  When it is plain sawn, which is usual, ripping your squares off the outside edges of the stock yields stuff that is pretty much riftsawn, and will have symmetrical grain.  If the plank is long enough, you'll get 4 pieces this way. Given enough width, you'll be left with a face grain square in the center of the plank, if not, a 1x3, 2x3, or whatever. 

   While riftsawn stock gives the most uniform grain pattern all the way around a table or case piece, I find it acceptable to use flatsawn or quartersawn (depending on the face of the square you look at) stock, as long as the grain is oriented symmetrically--so as to show the same type of grain on each side of the table; eg, face grain on the front and back of the table, edge grain showing on the leg faces on the ends.

   Ray