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Rift sawn lumber is typically narrow with a very straight grain pattern on the face of the board. Rift sawn lumber is usually used with oak to avoid the flecks that are common in the species. Similar to quarter sawn lumber, rift sawn lumber is also referred to as radial grain.
What is the difference between rift sawn and plain sawn?
If the growth rings run at a slightly lower angle, it’s called rift-sawn. The reason for the different cuts is that compared to plain-sawn boards, both quartersawn and rift-sawn boards are less likely to cup, and will experience less seasonal expansion and contraction across their widths.
Is rift sawn good?
Rift Sawn lumber is the most elite of the cuts. The log is milled perpendicular to the growth rings, which are 30-60 (ideally 45) degrees to the face of the board. It produces a linear, straight grain with a clean, consistent look. This method produces the most waste, significantly increasing the cost of the material.
Is rift cut the same as quarter sawn?
Rift sawn lumber, also known as straight grain, is cut at the sawmill with the grains intersecting the face of the board at an angle between 30 and 60 degrees and quarter sawn lumber is cut with the grains intersecting the face board the board at an angle between 60 and 90 degrees.
What is rift sawn timber and why is it cut this way?
Rift sawn boards are either cut as complements to previously cut quarter sawn boards or purposely sawn using the rift method. During the manufacturing process, the lumber is sawn at an angle perpendicular to its annular rings. This results in a linear grain pattern that has no flecking.
What are the advantages of rift sawing?
Benefits of Rift Sawn Lumber Grain Pattern: Flooring planks made from this lumber show beautifully even grain patterns. Stability: Flooring made from rift-sawn lumber is minimally affected by humidity changes, so it’s less likely to cup or shift with changing moisture levels.
What does rift sawn oak look like?
Rift Sawn Only is defined as having growth Rings oriented from 30° – 60° to the face of the board. So, while it still has straight parallel lines of grain like Quarter Sawn – it no longer exhibits the flecks or flashes of iridescence. It is also considered more stable because of the vertical grain orientation.
What boards are more likely to bow?
Flat–sawn boards, particularly those exhibiting cathedral–shaped grain patterns on the face are more likely to develop a “bow.” This is particularly prevalent when the board is taken from sections of the tree where the size is transitioning rapidly (this happens quite often in younger, shorter trees).
What does rift cut White Oak look like?
Rift-Sawn White Oak is similar to Quarter-Sawn, but with the angle of the cut changed slightly so that fewer saw cuts are parallel to the medullary rays, which are responsible for the flake effect. Rift-Sawn lumber produces an almost straight grain with practically no flake figure.
Which hardwoods are the most stable?
The degree to which this occurs for a particular species of wood is known as “species dimensional stability.” Red Oak, White Oak, and Ash are examples of woods with high stability. Maple, Hickory, and Cumaru are examples of less-stable species.
What is rift and quarter?
Rift and Quartered Sawn Logs are cut with the grains intersecting the face of the board at an approximate 60-degree angle. The log is sawn into four quarters and each quarter of the log is sawn perpendicular to the growth rings at an angle, therefore being named rift and quartered.
What is Tiger oak?
The fancy horizontal grain on the headboard and footboard is often referred to as tiger oak. It is quarter sawn oak veneer that reveals the medullary growth rings of the wood. From the last quarter of the 19th century into the 1920s it was quite popular and widely produced by numerous manufacturers throughout America.
What is rift oak cabinets?
White Oak is mostly straight-grained with a medium to coarse texture. Rift-sawn lumber is produced by quartering the log then sawing it perpendicular to the growth rings. This method of sawing accentuates the straight, vertical grain.
What is Rift slicing?
Rift slicing or cutting is most often used with oak when the “flake” or medullary rays are not desired. This is achieved by slicing the quartered log at an angle to the growth rings. The process involves placing the quartered log in a lathe and adjusting the blade angle to obtain a straight rift grain pattern.
Which sawing is best for timber?
Rift or radial sawing: Timber cut parallel to medullar rays and perpendicular to annual rings. Adopted for strong timber pieces. Least shrinkage but mostly wasted.
What are the disadvantages of live sawing?
Live-sawing produces a high percentage of quarter-sawed boards, and boards with heartwood centers and sapwood edges. This may cause greater than normal degrade losses during air-drying and kiln-drying.
What is through and through sawing?
Live sawing, also known as slab sawing or through and through sawing, is when a log is sawn about halfway through on the opening face and then turned once to the opposite face for sawing until the log is finished. Live sawing is generally recommended for lower quality logs because of these disadvantages.
What is rift and quarter sawn oak flooring?
In Quarter Sawn flooring, the log is first quartered, and then each quarter is cut again into slices. Rift sawn flooring is manufactured by milling perpendicular to the log’s growth rings producing a linear grain pattern with no flecking. This method produces the most waste, increasing the cost of this lumber.
