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How does one tell 'grain direction' for planing...

2K views 12 replies 11 participants last post by  JimHisself 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
So, I'm a rookie to this ww thing. I LOVE it but I'm gnu at it.

I know it makes a difference what the grain direction is for the feed direction for planing. At least I think it does.

For the LIFE of me I cannot tell what the direction is.

Help, please, for all that is holy, help.
 
#3 ·
Yes it definitely does Jim!! Reading grain direction is not always a straightforward thing.

I usually look at the edge of the board and follow the grain. The direction the grain is rising to the top is the grain direction. The other side of the board will be the opposite direction-usually ;-) ;-).

If the board had a cathedral pattern on the face, then look at the end of the board. On the outside of the board (rings curving up/top of tree up) plane into the points, inside of tree plane with the points (check me on this LJ's)

On some species of wood such as mahogany or walnut, or figured wood it can be very difficult to read the grain. Also, on any particular board the grain can be indeterminate, it can even go one way, then reverse. If there is a knot in the board you will have an issue, too.

Bottom line I find it easier to read the edge of the board, then look at the face and evaluate for swirls or knots. On highly figured boards, I don't even run them through a planer, I do it by hand. That is where a spiral head planer helps.

There are many good article on reading grain.

Hope this has helped you.
 
#5 ·
I look at the edge too. Whichever way the lines are rising is the grain direction for the face to which they are rising. It's not fullproof, grain can change direction but it's the best way I've found. I've heard of the pantyhose tip too but never tried it.
 
#6 ·
The panty hose trick is one I've heard and never tried, but i intend to. Often I find I can feel the grain by rubbing my fingertip over the edge in both directions, with the grain is much smoother on many woods, but not all, woods.
 
#10 ·
I always try to predict the grain but I must admit that sometimes I get it totally wrong and can't quite figure out how that happened. I can't speak to power tools but sometimes even when planing seems to be going well, the opposite direction will be even better. That happens more often with planing edges for joinery than it does planing up faces. Often I find it simpler to just take a fine set plane and try both ways.
+1 on marking the direction once you get it right.
 
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