NCIDQ IDFX Practice Exam

Which cutting method tends to shrink less in width after being sawed?

1. Plain sawing

2. Quarter sawing

3. Rift sawing

4. Rotary slicing

The correct answer is: Quarter sawing

Quarter sawing is recognized for its ability to minimize shrinkage in width after the wood is cut. This method involves cutting the log into quarters and then slicing perpendicular to the growth rings. As a result, the quarters are cut in a way that aligns with the grain pattern more closely, which helps reduce the amount of movement that occurs as the wood dries. This characteristic is particularly valuable in applications where stability and dimensional accuracy are critical, such as in furniture and cabinetry. In contrast, other sawing methods, such as plain sawing, typically yield higher variation in width shrinkage because they cut along the growth rings. This can lead to wood that warps or twists more as it reduces moisture content. Rift sawing tends to provide a cleaner grain pattern and is often used for aesthetics, but it does not always perform as well as quarter sawing when it comes to minimizing shrinkage. Rotary slicing results in a wide grain pattern and is primarily used for plywood but does not offer the same control over width shrinkage compared to quarter sawing. Thus, quarter sawing stands out as the method that produces less shrinkage in width after sawing, making it a preferable approach for achieving more stable lumber.