But in who is to say what the better, safer face is? Do we say the face which is not seen is the best location, out of sight, out of mind? For that is what is happening when we are trying to hide the check. Why not kerf down the apex of the timber, it would have to be deeper?
This bring up spiral grain or what appears to be spiral grain. I often see timber checks running at an angle to the face, these do not continue around the timber they are sectional like a dotted angular line running down the timber. I then think about splitting firewood or peg stock. It splits easily if the grain is clean, but a twisted wood does not, it is a struggle. With this concept is a straight grain with checks weaker than a gnarly one? If it runs out it should be but if it doesn't? Also is there a difference between checks, grain and spiral are they related?
Tim
