Question About Wood Grain

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nevadablue

Lifer
Jun 5, 2017
1,192
4
I will post this question on the 'builder's forum' too, but it seems they have little use for newbie questions. I know some here are members there, so here goes.
I have my lathe ready to attempt to make a turned stummel. The band saw still needs to be set on it's base so I can cut the rough blank.

I will be working with grained wood, not briar. My 'prototype' learning bowls will be made from an unknown wood that I have in the shop, and the first 'real' bowls will be made from Live Oak. So...
How is the best way to orient the grain? Vertical, as in aligned with the bowl/firepot? Or across the bowl? It seems that across the bowl may be better, but I am not sure.
Help please...

 

uncleblackie

Starting to Get Obsessed
Dec 20, 2014
280
10
Looking at various pipes, it would seem it doesn’t really matter unless you’re trying to achieve a visual effect with the grain following or accentuating the shape. I know some people believe a pipe smokes better/hotter/cooler with a certain grain orientation.
I am not a pipe maker, so take my information with a grain of salt. It really does seem to be only an aesthetic choice though. Of course, I’m relating this to briar. Other woods might involve other considerations.

 

ebklodt

Might Stick Around
Nov 9, 2012
99
0
Grain orientation is your preference. Getting it oriented to your best artistic abilities is part of the challenge. Good luck!

 

zack24

Lifer
May 11, 2013
1,726
2
In Morta(bog oak), the grain always runs with the length of the pipe- if you run grain verticall with the bowl, you’ll break the shank every time. Oak has very little strength cross grain....To give you a nice empirical test, cut a half inch square with grain running lengthwise and the same piece cross grain...smack each on the edge of your workbench...:)

 

nevadablue

Lifer
Jun 5, 2017
1,192
4
That is exactly what I was looking for Zack. Thank you. Now, I am off to look at morta pipes. I hadn't thought of that. I am working with un-mortaed' morta. :D

 

zack24

Lifer
May 11, 2013
1,726
2
I am working with un-mortaed' morta. :D

It’s all oak and although both are similar in grain strength, the exception would be if you’re working with the burl from live oak- that tends to be swirled and less straight grained...and much stronger as a result

 
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