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Grain is indeed one of the major food groups, and can be associated with breads, cereals, and feed for barnyard animals, but
like so many other terms, there is another meaning that applies to lumber. Grain refers to the parallel fibers of wood, and the pattern of growth rings that you can see when wood is cut from a log. Cutting with or along the grain tends to result in a smoother looking cut. This is also known as ripping the wood. If you are not careful, this sort of cut may result in a splinter. (Splintering always happens "with the grain".) Cutting against the grain severs the fibers in a way that is similar to cutting a rope or cutting hair. The ends of the fibers are usually somewhat visible, and can appear to be a rougher cut if your blade is not sharp. |
