lankkusahaus

Lankkusahaus, also known as slab sawing or plain sawing, is a traditional method of cutting logs into lumber. In this process, the log is sawn radially, meaning the cuts are made perpendicular to the growth rings, but not necessarily through the center of the log. This results in wider boards that may exhibit a prominent grain pattern, often referred to as "cathedral" grain.

The primary advantage of lankkusahaus is the yield of wider boards from a log compared to quarter sawing. This makes it a cost-effective method for producing common lumber sizes used in construction and furniture making. However, the wider growth rings exposed by this sawing pattern can make the lumber more prone to warping, cupping, and shrinking as it dries and ages. The tangential expansion and contraction of wood is greatest across the growth rings, and lankkusahaus exposes more of the wood along this direction.

Despite its potential for instability, lankkusahaus remains a widely used technique due to its efficiency and the aesthetic qualities of the resulting grain. The distinctive grain patterns are often desirable for certain design applications. The process involves passing the log through a large circular saw or a band saw multiple times, turning the log between cuts to achieve the desired board widths. The choice between lankkusahaus and other sawing methods like quarter sawing often depends on the intended use of the lumber, the species of wood, and economic considerations.