There are three main methods for converting logs into boards: through and through sawing, tangential sawing, and quarter sawing. Through and through sawing cuts logs parallel to the grain, producing wide boards quickly but with potential for cupping. Tangential sawing cuts logs at an angle to the grain, producing stable boards with a flame figure but is more expensive. Quarter sawing cuts logs at a 45 degree angle to the growth rings, producing narrow boards that are very stable with an attractive grain but is the most expensive method.

1. CONVERSION OF TIMBER

2. CONVERSION OF TIMBER
Trees are cut down during winter as there is
less growth, therefore less sap
After felling trees are transported to sawmills
to be cut into boards
This process of converting logs to boards is
known as conversion

3. METHODS OF CONVERSION
3 methods of conversion
Through and through sawing
Tangential sawing
Quarter sawing

4. Through and through sawing
This is one of the most popular methods of sawing.
The log is cut in parallel cuts in the direction of the
grain.

5. Through and Through
Sawing
Advantages
• Low cost and fast
• Maximum width of
planks obtained from
log.
• Little wastage.
• Reveals attractive
grain pattern,
especially in
softwoods.

6. Disadvantages
• Not suitable for structural timber
• With this method cupping caused by
tangential shrinkage is a problem (cupping
is the warping of the plank away from the
heart of the tree)
Through and Through Sawing

7. TANGENTIAL SAWING
• The cut is made at a tangent to the annual rings of the
log.
• Log must be turned 90º after each cut.
• Timber will display a flame figure

8. Tangential Sawing
Advantages
• Produce board with flame figure
• Tangential boards are strong boards, used for
beams and joists
• Heartwood and sapwood are easily separated
• These boards can take a nail without splitting
because of the position of their annual rings

9. Disadvantages
I) Prone to shrinkage (Cupping)
II) It is expensive as the log is turned
90º for each cut

10. QUARTER SAWING
This method leaves the annual rings of the converted
timber meeting the face of the board at 45 º or more.
It is important to note that the log must be rotated each
time a cut is taken.
This method can bring the best features in wood as it
produces silver grain which has clearly defined medullary
rays

11. Quarter Sawing
Advantages
• An attractive grain
pattern is produced
• Boards are more
stable and shrink
less
• Boards wear more
evenly and
important for
flooring

12. Disadvantages
•Expensive, as the log has to be first quartered
then turned for every cut.
•Because the log is quartered then cut again
narrower boards are produced
What are the methods are used in general to convert wood
into different shape and which method gives you a best wood
plank and reasons why?