OK, I had a topic up a short time ago examining the ray flek visible in quarter sawn white oak, and I had asked if the ray flek revealed a potential hazard if used as backing material. Well, on Sunday, I found a great article in "Wood" magazine that describes ray flek, and in it, we can see why the appearance of rays in the wood betray a weak point.
Lesson learned? Although White Oak makes great backing material, make sure that if you use it, no rays are visible. In other words, use flat sawn or rift sawn lumber.
(Article posted below according to all "fair use" and applicable copyright laws)
