Q:

Gerald Curry recommends quartersawn or riftsawn Eastern white pine for drawer parts because it’s very stable. Where can I find these types of boards?

William Evanston, Oklahoma City, OK

A:

It’s hard to find quartersawn and riftsawn stock in the higher grades of lumber, which are mostly flatsawn. For drawer stock, an economical option is a big-box store, where you can find cheaper #2 grade eastern white pine. Look through the wide boards for pieces that have the pith, or center growth ring, in the middle of the board. Cut the pith away, and you’ll be left with nice quartersawn stock. If you buy wider stock, it will be easy to cut around the defects and still have plenty of usable material. Buy the material early and stack it in your shop to dry. Lumberyard pine is seldom dry enough for furniture making.

Remove the pith. After cutting the wood to length, working around any defects, rip the boards on the tablesaw to remove the unstable section near the pith.

End grain reveals quartersawn sections

Photos: Staff