Sycamore’s Interlocked Grain Rewards Shear Cutting

American Sycamore has fine texture but interlocked grain, which means the fibers repeatedly change direction. A scraping cut can lift those reversing fibers and leave fuzzy or torn areas.

Why it matters: Use a freshly sharpened gouge with a light shear-cutting presentation before sanding. This slices the reversing fibers more cleanly and reduces time spent removing torn grain.