aA

03/11/2003 6:43 AM

Which way to run the grain

While pattern routing a piece of pine to use as a prototype for a
butterfly shapped jewelry box, I ran the grain vertically thinking it
would give me the most strength. However, during routing, I am
experiencing chunks coming off in the grain direction, esp where I
curve in and back out where the side wings meet.

Should I be running the grain horizontally as a general rule? The
actual piece will be made of purpleheart, which is orders of magnitude
harder than the pine.

Alan