The word "quartersaw" refers to a specific way of cutting wood, resulting in a unique pattern. The word is spelled in a way that reflects the sound of the word when spoken. In IPA phonetic transcription, "quartersaw" is spelled /ˈkwɔrtər sɔ/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "quar" part is pronounced like "core," while "ter" is pronounced like "tur." The "saw" part is pronounced like "saw," with a long vowel sound. This spelling accurately represents the sound of the word in English.
Quartersaw, also known as quartersawn or quarter-sawed, is a term used to describe a specific lumber cutting technique. It refers to the process of sawing the log into quarters, and then cutting each quarter into planks by sawing perpendicular to the growth rings. This method produces wood with unique visual appeal and enhanced stability.
When a log is quartersawn, the resulting boards showcase a distinctive grain pattern known as "ray fleck." This pattern resembles the rays or medullary rays found within the tree trunk. The rays appear as irregular lines or streaks that run perpendicular to the growth rings, creating a beautiful and symmetrical effect on the lumber's surface.
Quartersawing is primarily employed for hardwood species, such as oak or walnut, as it maximizes the characteristics and stability of the wood. Due to the nature of the cut, quartersawn lumber tends to be more dimensionally stable than plain sawn lumber, reducing the risk of warping, shrinking, or cupping. This added stability makes quartersawn wood highly sought after for applications requiring durability and resilience, including flooring, cabinetry, furniture, and musical instruments.
In summary, quartersaw is a lumber cutting technique that involves sawing the log into quarters and then cutting the quarters perpendicular to the growth rings, resulting in boards with a distinctive ray fleck grain pattern. Quartersawn wood offers increased stability, making it desirable for a wide range of high-quality woodworking projects.
The word quartersaw is derived from two separate terms: quarter and saw.
The term quarter refers to the way a log or piece of wood is cut. When a log is cut into quarters, it is divided into four equal sections. This method of cutting the log helps to produce boards that have a straight grain pattern and are less prone to warping or twisting.
The term saw refers to the tool used to cut the wood. In this context, it specifically refers to a sawmill or a sawing process.
When combined, quartersaw essentially means to cut a log into quarters and then saw those quarters into boards. The resulting boards have a distinct pattern of straight, fine grain lines, also known as quarter sawn or quarter cut.