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Friends -

I have some old mahogany (true story - my grandfather bought it over 50 years ago for his furniture restoration business) and plan to use some for backs and sides.

These are large planks - and the grain orientation is all over the place - mostly flatsawn. (Although frankly it's a bit tough to see the grain in most of it.)

Is it very important for mahogany to be quartersawn for backs and sides? I think I read somewhere that quartersawing was less important with mahogany than some other woods. True?

Thanks!

It will work just fine ... any of the quilted figure sets from 'the tree' mahogany is flatsawn. As well, if its that old and not cracked/checked, its very well seasoned!!!

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Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"

Yo, Corky,

wood dealers are sort of like used car salespersons....

but the ummm "truth" be known, "Do not use flat sawn mahogany for instrument building"
Is best to dispose of that wood....fast.

just ship it to me...the Padma, care of this here forum and I will take care of is proper disposal for no charge...just pay the shipping.

blessings
the
Padma

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Corky,
There is a somewhat higher possibility that flatsawn mahogany will have splits over time, but don't let that stop you from using it. Old mahogany is so much darker than what is generally available today, it is a joy to see it.
Save some for necks too, no problem of it flatsawn there either.
What a great thing to have.

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flatsawn works fine. as said before, that's where lots of figure comes from.

quarter is NICE, but by no means essential.

I have thre mahogany church pews to use up over the next few years. the grain is, like yours, all over the show.

all the better to have fun with!!

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