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General Category => Tutorials, Techniques and Tips => Topic started by: Fordy on June 28, 2016, 09:53:15 am

Title: Wood Grain
Post by: Fordy on June 28, 2016, 09:53:15 am

Hi

When cutting silhouettes, using plywood, in what direction should the upper layer grain be? I did a cutting with the grain going horizontal, whereas I was considering it could be vertical. Is there a rule or standard to be followed?

I have some oak ply as stock for the new direction my hobby is going.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Tyrone

Title: Re: Wood Grain
Post by: Bill Wilson on June 28, 2016, 10:08:43 am

Generally speaking, I like to see plywood veneer grain running in the direction of the longest dimension.  It just looks more natural to the eye.  However, there may be reasons for not following this simple rule of thumb.  If running the grain in the direction of the longest dimension causes a lot of waste of the material, then you may want to consider a more economical orientation.  There may be features of the grain that you want to highlight in the pattern, which may cause you to orient the direction a particular way.  IMHO, it's mostly a visual thing.  Strength of the plywood doesn't really come into play, unless you are doing construction or building cabinets/furniture.