
Set-Aside Crotch in Woodworking
George VondriskaDescription
One section where you’re more likely to find striking grain patterns is crotch wood. Crotch wood forms where two main trunk sections, or a large limb and a trunk, meet to create a “Y” shape. This intersection is where two grain patterns converge, often resulting in a swirling effect within the crotch wood’s grain.
Crotch wood can be used in various ways to highlight its distinctive grain pattern:
Table top: A slab table is an excellent way to display a beautiful piece of crotch wood. This provides a large surface area to preserve the integrity of the wood while showcasing the unique grain pattern.
Turned bowl: Bowl turners often seek out crotch wood for their projects. A bowl made from crotch wood is special because it captures the grain pattern from the edge, rather than just a cross-section like you would see in a table top.
Decorative wall art: Some woodworkers use crotch wood to create art pieces that can be hung on the wall, similar to a painting. This is a wonderful way to honor a unique piece of crotch wood.
Whether you’re using a chainsaw mill, a bandsaw mill, or just a bandsaw in your shop, exploring the use of crotch wood in your woodworking projects is highly rewarding.