Woodworking Terms - Labelling Timber
Labelling timber makes it easier to select and utilise your timber effectively. Understanding the different parts of a piece of wood is important in woodworking as woodworkers consider these parts when assessing the quality, orientation, and characteristics of the wood. All of these factors determine the best approach for cutting, shaping, and joining the material.
Labelling Timber
A piece of wood has various parts or components that can be described and identified. Here are the different parts of a typical piece of wood:
Face: The face of the wood is the wide, flat surface that is typically visible and used as the reference for measuring and marking.
Edge: The edge is one of the long sides of the wood, running parallel to the grain direction. It is usually narrower than the face and may be squared or shaped depending on the woodworking project.
End: The end refers to the cut or cross-sectional surface of the wood, perpendicular to both the face and the edge. It is where the grain pattern and growth rings are visible.
Grain: The grain of the wood refers to the pattern and direction of the wood fibres. It can be straight, curly, wavy, or have other variations. The grain affects the appearance, strength, and workability of the wood.
Growth Rings: Growth rings are concentric circles visible on the end of the wood, representing the annual growth of the tree. The rings consist of the lighter-coloured, fast-growing springwood and the darker-coloured, denser summerwood.
Wood Rays: Wood rays, also known as ray cells or Medullary rays, are thin, ribbon-like structures that radiate from the centre of the tree outward. They are often visible on the end and can add decorative patterns to the wood when cut across.
Knots: Knots are portions of the wood where branches once grew. They appear as circular or irregularly shaped spots on the face, edge, or end of the wood. Knots can affect the strength, stability, and appearance of the wood.
Pith: The pith is the central, soft core of the tree located in the centre of the cross-section. It is often darker and less desirable for woodworking due to its lower strength and potential for warping.
In summary, labelling timber will not only help you develop your understanding of the different elements, but also speed up your working time.
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