Just look at the lines on the edges of you board. Very few woods show no lines.
It's also a good practice to mark the lines with a pencil when you're sure of the direction.
Is there a particular wood your having trouble with.
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.
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.
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.
You can feel it with your hand the same way the panty hose idea works. An added bonus is that you won't have to have that awkward moment where you're trying to tell the cashier at Walgreens that they are for woodworking, not wearing.
One more point I would like to make. If your getting tear back and you've tried turning the board around and still having problems. You should look at the knives are set right? are they sharp. If everything checks out then it's as good as it gets.
Carry on. And welcome to woodworking
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.
WOW. I'm smarter than I was now thanks to all your great replies.
I thank all of you, truly. This set of forums has been such an education for me.
I'm moving ahead now, smarter, and even more out of control.
Jim
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