Figured Wood
Figured Wood refers to wood that shows unique, decorative patterns in its grain, making it highly valued in fine woodworking and furniture making. These patterns can include waves, swirls, or spots that occur naturally in the wood. Think of it like marble patterns in stone - each piece is unique. Woodworkers specifically seek out figured wood for high-end projects where visual appeal is important. Common types include bird's eye maple, curly maple, or quilted maple, but many wood species can display figuring. When you see this term in resumes, it usually indicates experience with selecting and working with premium materials for custom or luxury woodworking projects.
Examples in Resumes
Created custom dining table using Figured Wood with book-matched pattern
Specialized in selecting and working with Figured Wood and Burl Wood for luxury furniture pieces
Developed pricing strategies for premium Figured Wood inventory management
Typical job title: "Custom Woodworkers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Custom Woodworkers
Online Communities
Professional Networks
Trade Shows & Events
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you determine the value and best use of figured wood pieces in custom projects?
Expected Answer: A senior craftsperson should discuss evaluating grain patterns, understanding how figuring affects working properties, methods for showcasing the wood's natural beauty, and pricing considerations for luxury projects.
Q: What techniques do you use to prevent damage when working with expensive figured wood?
Expected Answer: Should explain careful grain direction assessment, proper tool selection, specific cutting techniques to prevent tearout, and how to properly dry and store figured wood to prevent warping.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you match figured wood patterns across multiple pieces?
Expected Answer: Should describe book-matching techniques, understanding grain patterns, and methods for selecting and cutting wood to create continuous patterns across furniture pieces.
Q: What finishing techniques do you use for figured wood?
Expected Answer: Should discuss how different finishes can enhance figure patterns, preparation steps, and common mistakes to avoid when finishing figured wood.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the common types of figured wood patterns?
Expected Answer: Should be able to identify basic patterns like bird's eye, curly, and quilted figures, and explain where these patterns commonly appear in different wood species.
Q: How do you prepare figured wood for a project?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic steps of wood selection, acclimation, and initial preparation, showing understanding of why figured wood requires special handling.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic wood pattern recognition
- Simple figured wood project completion
- Understanding of basic handling requirements
- Knowledge of common figured wood types
Mid (2-5 years)
- Pattern matching and book-matching
- Advanced finishing techniques
- Project cost estimation
- Custom furniture creation
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex pattern layout and design
- High-end custom project management
- Material sourcing and evaluation
- Training and mentoring others
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of proper wood moisture content management
- Lack of experience with hand tools and fine finishing
- Unable to explain basic wood movement principles
- No understanding of grain matching techniques
Related Terms
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