Cutting a log into board is something you can do in different ways, not only can you get different type of boardz out of the same log, you can do it with a chainsaw, bandsaw, circular saw or even by hand if you have the patience and time for it. In this post i will tell you something about the different types of boardz you can get out of a log. The next time i will show you some nice examples of how this is actually done!

There are three types of planks you can get out of a log: Plain Sawn (Flat sawn), Quarter Sawn and Rift sawn. A plank gets classified in either one of these depending on the grain you can see when it is cut, which is dependent on where it was located in the log when it was cut and of course the way the log was cut.

When cutting for Plain sawn which is the most common method today, a boardz is cut from the log, and then turned 90º before taking the next cut. This process is continued until the entire log is cut. The graining in plain sawn wood are at 0-30 degree angles, which create large open patterns on the face of the boards (referred to as the cathedral effect).

When cutting for Quartered sawn boardz, the log is cut into quarters, then cut perpendicular to the growth rings of the log. This results in tight graining at angles of 60-90 degrees that are closer to the surface of the boardz. This shows off the medullary rays Its like the veins or arteries in our body, but then of the wood. Creating amazing flecks in the wood that add to the character and amazingnesz of the finished product.

I personally like Flat sawn most of all, due to the amazing flamey pattern that becomes visible. But you can use Quarter sawn planks very nice also, here some very sweet examples of the flecks that become Visible in Quater Sawn boardz, flecks are not visible in every type of wood,  But I have seen them most visible in Oak related species and Sycamore

Similar to quarter sawn wood, when cutting for Rift sawn boardz, the log is first quartered. Then the quarters are cut radially perpendicular to the growth rings (this differs from quarter sawn). This cut produces liner graining along the boards at angles of 30-60 degrees.

The main differences between Quarter sawn and Rift sawn is that with Quarter sawn boardz you will see the Flecks through the grain, at the sides you will see Flames like in Plain sawn (because the thickness of your plank is usualy a vew CM this is not so special). with Rift sawn boards, most of the time there are No Flecks, neither is there any Flamey pattern, all sides will have lines of the grain!

Below some more Examples of the Flamey Figure of Plain sawn boardz, the Flecks of Quarter sawn boardz and the Grain of Rift sawn boardz. Also a animated movie how Quarter/Rift sawn boards are cut these days

Lumber Quartersawing Proces (modern)