Replies

1. 
   lat_axe | May 29, 2024 05:58am | #1

   "Raised grain" usually refers to the effect of water or another liquid on a bare wood surface swelling some of the cut grain structures at the surface so that when the wet stuff dries off, it leaves a feeling of woolly roughness and a dull look.

   But maybe you don't mean that notion of raised grain but rather the effect often seen on woods having a hard/soft series of growth rings, with the surface scrubbed so that some of the softer growth rings are reduced in height leaving the harder rings prominent ..... ?

   Personally I'd be surprised if anyone wanted mantles with the first kind of raised grain. It wouldn't enhance the feel or the look and would probably just look badly-made. On the other hand, a simple bare wood surface that gradually acquires the marks, dings and patina of use (including patches of raised grain) might be welcome.

   The other kind of raised grain is generally achieved by scrubbing the surfaces with a wire brush until the softer growth rings have some of their surface removed so that they're depressed relative to the harder growth rings. Some electric hand planers used to be capable of being fitted with a wire brush to speed up the process (compared to doing it by hand) but the hand-applied scrubbing offers a lot more control of the results.

   If you use oak or any other wood with a chemical content that reacts with iron, be careful with a steel wire brush. Tiny parts break off and eventually react with the tannin (or whatever) and moisture in the wood to stain it. Oak will show ugly blue blotches, for example. Brass wire is better, then .... but slower as its softer.

   Lataxe

1. 
   allyouwoodneed | May 29, 2024 12:34pm | #3

   Thank You. It is the second type you mention. I do use wire brush but that is another style I build. You are right with the not nice part. But it seems that's what is selling.

2. 
   pantalones868 | May 29, 2024 11:48am | #2

   You don't mention what type of wood. The wire brush isn't much different an idea than what I would have suggested which was rough sanding with something like 60g to expose the fibers then try water again or warm water, hot water ,and maybe some exposure to the sun . If the water doesn't do it try steam maybe. But maybe you need to take some examples of available woods and experiment- when you find something that gives you the effect your looking for use that!... or maybe just use wenge, but carefully ,the splinters might prove fatal!
   I did some drawer boxes a while ago out of hickory and decided to finish the insides with some waterborne finish that I had-it sure as hell raised the crap on the grain of that! I wish I could remember what product I used so I could recommend it.

1. 
   allyouwoodneed | May 29, 2024 12:35pm | #4

   The mantles are usually just pine. But I do use elm and hard maple at times. Thanks.