Grain orientation

bob easton · #1 10-12-2010, 06:48 PM

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Steve Reed · #2 10-12-2010, 10:13 PM

Bob, if you're into doing faces and facial features, you always run a risk of pieces popping off due to grain orientation. If I were going to carve a face in this piece I would split B and C for the direction of the nose. This way the grain is running parallel with the nose and is inherently stronger. Again, in my opinion, the worst would be split between A and B. Cross grain lacks strength. Having said that, I have seen some beautiful Butternut carvings using this orientation, but you must be VERY careful. Just my $.02 for what it's worth. You might get different opinions here.
Good luck and carve safe.

bob easton · #3 10-13-2010, 06:45 AM

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Lynn O. Doughty · #4 10-13-2010, 07:13 AM

I think you're getting a little too technical here. As long as the grain runs vertical with the face you should have no problem no matter which part of the block you carve. I actually tip the grain back more in line with the bridge of the nose to aid in carving the face. Not for strength but to allow the chips on the upper areas of the face to fall away cleanly when carved.

bob easton · #5 10-13-2010, 12:38 PM

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scooter · #6 10-13-2010, 01:50 PM

Agree with Lynn. As long as the grain is vertal and clean, you should do well.

Aside, your illustration doesn't look like end-grain to me. I would expect end grain to be in an arc pattern, while your example is wavy. Unless your tree experienced some irregular growth???

S~

Gulf Coast Handyman · #7 10-13-2010, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooter

Agree with Lynn. As long as the grain is vertal and clean, you should do well.

Aside, your illustration doesn't look like end-grain to me. I would expect end grain to be in an arc pattern, while your example is wavy. Unless your tree experienced some irregular growth???

S~

Ditto.

Dave

Steve Reed · #8 10-13-2010, 04:24 PM

All good points. I was looking at the piece as if it were a dowel and we were looking at the end grain. If that is the case, I think we are all saying the same thing, vertical grain=good :-)
Safe carving!

Claude · #9 10-13-2010, 06:25 PM

I'd put the nose halfway between B and C, if I could.

Claude

bob easton · #10 10-14-2010, 07:36 AM

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