Newbie: Why are large panels made of several strips?

[Jeremy]

Hi all newbie here again,

I posted a few weeks ago, but I'm too poor after Christmas to get my woodworking kick started for a month or so. Instead I've been avidly reading "The complete manual of woodworking" (thanks for the recommendation! )

Today I decided to have a look around a few furniture shops to get an idea of styles and contruction techniques.

One thing I noticed was that large area panels such as table tops or cupboard doors seemed to be made of several strips of wood maybe 2 inches across joined (presumably with biscuits?) together, rather than a single solid panel.

On looking at the end grain, they appeared to be plain sawn (is that right?) but alternating which way the curve of the grain went. I think I remember reading that this is to prevent bowing due to the shorter curve expanding less than the longer curve, but why didn't they just use quartersawn wood? Is it because it's more expensive? Or something to do with the surface grain being more appealing?

Hope it's not a stupid question. No doubt I'll have loads more if you can put up with me.

I will be buying a book re cabinet construction too which will probably answer many of my questions.

Many thanks,
Jeremy

 

[PowerTool]

You seem to understand it all quite correctly - wide board are prone to cupping;narrow strips with alternating growth rings helps prevent this.
And quarter-sawn is more expensive,as there is more waste.

Remeber,the only stupid question is the one that remains unasked!

So far,I'd say your reading is being very productive

Andrew

 

[Digit]

As regards stupid questions I'm reminded of an apprentice telling me that it is alright for you as you don't make mistakes.
I simply pointed out that I had made them long before he came on the scene.
Admitting that you don't know is the first stride in understanding. Ask away!

Roy.

 

[Jeremy]

Thanks gents. This forum is worth it's weight in gold. Learnt loads already by going through some old threads. Also not a little in awe at some of the amazing stuff you have built! :shock:

I look forward to learning more from you in the future, thanks.

 

[Losos]

Hi Jeremy - Belated welcome to UKW (Since you are on post 3 :!: )

You have correctly deduced the reason. It is much cheaper to use 'thru 'n thru' sawn timber and reverse the growth rings.

Where i am now they look at you like you're from Mars if you start talking about quartersawn but some of the better timber yards in UK may be able to sell it..........at a price.

Like you I've learned a lot from being a member of UKW and, if you get the opportunity to attend a UKW 'Big Bash' then you'll learn even more.

Sorry I don't know if any are planned for 2008 but in previous years I have usually planned my jaunts around England around the dates

 

[tsb]

I'm new to woodworking and this forum as well, so I'm probably asking silly questions as well, but don't forget- if no one asked any questions, there wouldn't be much of a forum

 

[jasonB]

A lot of what you see in the shops is not just built-up construction to stop it moving. Using smaller section timber allows the maker to use all the available timber and at the same time cut out any defects thus keeping costs down.

Its not just flat panels that are made up, take a look at the legs on many "solid oak" tables and you will see that the 100x100 leg may be from 3-4 layers. The same goes for worktops, ones made from staves cost about a third of ones made up from long lengths of 100-150mm wide boards.

Jason