Wood surfacing is a critical finishing process designed to smoothen the wood surface, enhance its dimensional accuracy, and make handling safer. This process compensates for potential shrinkage during the seasoning phase by marginally increasing the wood dimensions before surfacing. It also helps correct some distortions that may occur as the wood dries.
The equipment used in the surfacing process is a plane equipped with rotating blades. This tool efficiently smoothens the wood surface and can slightly round off the edges, enhancing the wood's appearance and safety during handling. Typically, lumber is surfaced on all four sides to ensure uniformity and flatness. However, hardwoods are often only surfaced on two sides, leaving the remaining rough edges to be finished by the woodworker according to specific project requirements.
Consistency in the finished product is paramount; surfaced wood must always exhibit a flat surface. Similarly, any turned wooden objects should display a clear roundness, and all edges should be perfectly straight. Another common technique to achieve a smooth finish is sanding, which involves using progressively finer grit sizes. Sanding should always be done in the direction of the wood fibers to avoid damaging the surface and to ensure a smooth finish.
Through these methods, wood surfacing ensures that wood products are not only aesthetically pleasing but also meet precise specifications for construction and woodworking projects.
