Follow the lines.... err.... what?

[SavannahLion]

Once in a while, in "newish" woodworking books or websites, I see references to "following the lines" or "cut with the lines" to avoid splitting or splintering when cutting or shaping woods. I have never heard or seen such a reference in carpentry, unless of course... you're literally following a line, like a snap line, laser line, or something.

I assume they're really talking about the grain of the wood. Since it's usually easier to work with the grain rather than against. Though why they can't just use the standard nomenclature that's been around for about a bazillion years, I'll never know.

God, I wish my dad was still around. 

But I digress, has anyone else heard this terminology before? Is it just new-fangled terminology or is there some subtle meaning behind it?

[selfie]

I've seen it before. I think they are trying to make it idiot proof for people who don't know what the grain is. By doing this they make it that bit harder for people with more than half a brain.

[selfie]

I should say idiot resistant. Nothing is idiot proof.

[PL1]

I should say idiot resistant. Nothing is idiot proof.

Every time someone thinks they've built something idiot proof, someone else builds a bigger, better idiot.

I guess there's not as much chlorine in the gene pool as there used to be -- must be getting diluted by all the safety warnings and product designs that allow the stupid to not just survive but thrive.
Next stop, Idiocracy! 
[/rant]


Scott

[SavannahLion]

Thanks guys, I figured that's what it was. I was momentarily panicking thinking that carpentry moved on and I didn't even notice until it was too late.

The idiot thing is just scary as hell. To be fair though, I still haven't dared fire up the Orange Beast^TM with my family around.

[selfie]

Next stop, Idiocracy! 
[/rant]


Scott

The opening to that movie is so very true that it scares me.

[PL1]

Next stop, Idiocracy! 

The opening to that movie is so very true that it scares me.

You've done your part to ensure the scenario doesn't come true.

Hope you're enjoying the time with the newest addition to the family.   


Scott

[EwJ]

Maybe they're referring to the substantial number of coke lines the author must have been snorting. 

[selfie]

Next stop, Idiocracy! 

The opening to that movie is so very true that it scares me.

You've done your part to ensure the scenario doesn't come true.

Hope you're enjoying the time with the newest addition to the family.   


Scott

Thanks Scott. 

One month old today. He's been fun so far 

[kahlid74]

From what I've been able to gain in my limited time as a wood worker this is what they refer to when they talk about "Following the lines" - http://www.rpwoodwork.com/blog/2012/05/11/sawing-to-a-line-five-uncommon-tips-4/