Plain Sawn
Plain Sawn (also known as flat sawn) is a common way of cutting lumber that creates wood with characteristic grain patterns that look like waves or cathedrals. It's the most affordable and widely used method of sawing logs into boards. When you see this term in resumes or job descriptions, it refers to experience working with this type of lumber, which is popular in furniture making, construction, and general woodworking. This cutting method is different from quarter sawn or rift sawn lumber, and each type has its own uses in woodworking projects.
Examples in Resumes
Managed inventory of Plain Sawn and quarter sawn hardwoods for custom furniture production
Selected and graded Plain Sawn lumber for high-end cabinetry projects
Supervised cutting operations producing Plain Sawn and Flat Sawn lumber
Typical job title: "Sawyers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Sawyers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you determine the best sawing pattern for different types of logs?
Expected Answer: A senior sawyer should explain how they consider log size, quality, intended use, and customer requirements when choosing between plain sawn, quarter sawn, or other cutting patterns. They should mention maximizing yield and value recovery.
Q: How do you manage quality control in lumber production?
Expected Answer: They should discuss inspection processes, grading standards, moisture content monitoring, and how they train others to maintain consistent quality in plain sawn lumber production.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the main differences between plain sawn and quarter sawn lumber?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that plain sawn shows cathedral grain patterns, is more economical to produce, and has different expansion characteristics compared to quarter sawn lumber.
Q: How do you handle wood with defects during the sawing process?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they identify common defects and adjust cutting patterns to maximize usable lumber while maintaining grade standards.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What safety procedures do you follow when operating sawmill equipment?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of basic safety equipment, emergency procedures, and proper machine operation protocols.
Q: How do you identify different wood species and grades?
Expected Answer: Should show basic understanding of common wood species characteristics and standard lumber grading rules.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic saw operation
- Wood species identification
- Safety procedures
- Basic lumber grading
Mid (2-5 years)
- Efficient cutting patterns
- Quality control
- Equipment maintenance
- Production planning
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced sawing techniques
- Team supervision
- Yield optimization
- Training and mentoring
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic safety procedures
- Unable to identify common wood species
- Lack of understanding of lumber grades
- No experience with quality control measures
Related Terms
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