Comb-Face? Rougher Head?

[Knot_Head]

I am taking a shot in the dark here with this question, but would like to know so we can produce the look as well.

I work with a lot of western red cedar and we see boards that come through that have a heavy comb-face and some that have just a light combing. Is this done with the depth of cut or are the knifes ground differently? We like the look of the light comb-face for our rough boards.

[beenthere]

I wonder if you can post a pic or two of the different "comb" looks? I'm curious..

Where are you looking at boards when you say they "come through" ?

If rough lumber, then maybe you are describing a large band sawn face vs a small band sawn face. But interested to find out more.

[Knot_Head]

 Here is a photo of the really rough comb/rougher face

 

I will get one of the light face, asap.

[Knot_Head]

This is the light comb-face finish:


 

This is the rough comb-face finish:


  

[justallan1]

I've worked in planer mills that get that effect running them through the planer using rougher head knives. A lot of fencing and decking material use that style and I would imagine that there is different sets of knives for different cuts, although I didn't run the planer so am not positive.

Allan

[GAmillworker]

The difference is a sharp head and one that is is need of sharpening.  Cedar will tear out if head is not sharp.

[Knot_Head]

The difference is a sharp head and one that is is need of sharpening.  Cedar will tear out if head is not sharp.

I agree to an extent but not in the above situation. I have no knowledge of roughing / comb-face planer knifes but it looks like light face (which we like) is caused by the knife cutting edges closer together and not ground as tall which leaves a light combed surface.

Can anyone point me in the direction to pick up a couple different blades to try out? I am willing to pay for a custom made knife, if I have to.

[Peter Drouin]

I don't think that look was made with a sawmill. The planer or some thing like it

[beenthere]

Looks like wire brush treatment or sandblasting to me. But didn't get much info as to where these boards were showing up, or where they came from. So at a loss to figure out what the pics show.