Replies

1. 
   MBerger | May 17, 2007 05:37pm | #1

   Hi Jeff.

   I just consulted with an editor on staff who is a graduate of Krenov's program at College of the Redwoods and she immediately knew the technique you were refering to, but noted that there is no "catch-all formula" for doing this.

   You have to read each board differently, because every tree is different, which means the grain on one board is never going to be the same as the grain on another board.

   As she explained the process, it sounded very similar to a recent technique I tried out, which is detailed in this entry of our Editors' Blog. The photos might look a bit dangerous, and while I'd like the say they aren't, you should be very careful if you use a similar milling process.

   In my case, I was trying to get straight, rift-sawn grain on all four faces of a straight leg. I can imagine trying to do this for a curved leg would have added a whole new dimension to the puzzle, and would have required a board that had a curve in the grain.

   Please post a reply to let me know if this helps. If not, I have a contact at CR with whom I can consult.

   Matt Berger
   Fine Woodworking

1. 
   jszens | May 17, 2007 06:31pm | #2

   Hi, Matt;

   Thanks for getting back to me on this.

   I realize that there is no set formula, and that each board will be different.  Your blog entry is the beginning of the process I'm looking for - analyzing the growth rings/figure on the end grain.  As it was explained to me, though, there is a little more to it when you're after a curve. 

   I can see the usefulness of your blog technique, especially if you're doing straight legs and the grain isn't quite riftsawn...some judicious planing on one face would orient that face at 90 degrees to the growth rings, and off you go.

   If you have the opportunity to check with the folks at CR, I would appreciate it.  Or if you're busy and want to pass along the contact info, I'll make the inquiry and post the results back here.

   Either way, thank you for your help!

    

   Jeff

1. 
   MBerger | May 17, 2007 06:38pm | #3

   I'll give them a call later today and get back to you. You can try calling over there yourself but I'm not sure how accessible the teaching staff is to answer how-to questions by phone.

   - Matt

1. 
   jszens | May 17, 2007 06:45pm | #4

   Thanks, Matt.

    

   I understand they may not be able to hand out advice all day long....so I'll wait to hear from you.

   I wish I could take the year (or two) and try to enroll there.....

    

   Jeff

1. 
   jszens | May 25, 2007 11:33pm | #5

   Hi, Matt;

   Have you heared anything back from CW concerning the curved-leg technique?

   Thanks!

    

   Best regards,

   Jeff Zens