Thread: grain direction

I am not an expert on this topic but have glued pieces with perpendicular grain orientation before and have had no problem. However, as with all woodworking, different timbers respond in different ways so there are no garuntees. I would use timber of similar density if possible otherwise you might find you get an uneven surface when you sand with one timber sanding quicker than the other.
Are your measurements imperial or metric?

Originally Posted by akuntz

I am building a platter and want to put a 1/4 spacer in between 16 segments.
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I am worried that a cross grain piece that small will crack.

That would also be my worry

Originally Posted by akuntz

I am building a platter and want to put a 1/4 spacer in between 16 segments. The segments are 2.1/4 wide by 5 long. The grain in the segments are running the right direction. I want to use Ebony as the spacer. Will I be asking for trouble if I run the spacer grain the other direction or should i glue up enough ebony to run it the same direction as the segments. I am worried that a cross grain piece that small will crack.

Segmented platters are always difficult. If the "segments" are wedge shaped and radiate from the centre, with cross grain, and the ebony strips also radiating with long grain also radiating, you will have a problem. If the segments are radial with the grain also radiating, you may have a problem.

If the segments are as I suspect, 2.25 inches x 5 inches, it does have a chance of being ok.

Dry timber with an equilibrium moisture content is essential as is a good quality glue. I use Selleys "Exterior" aquadhere.

What species are you using?


Jim