Word of the Day
23 March 2026
quartersaw
verbWoodworking
Cut radially (towards the heart of the log), at right angles to the growth rings, for stability or the production of decorative patterns.
Why this one
The name comes from the log being split into quarters before the boards are sawn off each face. It wastes more of the log than plain sawing, which is why quartersawn stock costs more: you are paying for boards that stay flat and cup less.
In use
If you want those ray flecks in the oak you'll have to quartersaw it, and expect to lose a fair bit of the log doing it.
Written by our editors to show how the term is used, not a recorded quotation.