"Arris timber" does not refer to a specific species or type of wood. Instead, the term 'arris' describes a particular feature found on timber: a sharp edge on wood where two edges meet.
In woodworking and construction, the word arris is used to identify the sharp line or corner formed by the intersection of two surfaces of a piece of timber. Think of the edge of a plank or beam; where the top face meets the side face, that sharp corner is the arris.
Understanding the Arris
The concept of an arris is fundamental when working with timber, as it represents the natural line where different planes of the wood intersect.
- Definition: As defined in woodworking terminology, an arris is the term for a sharp edge on wood where two edges meet.
- Formation: An arris is created wherever two flat or angled surfaces of a piece of timber come together, forming a distinct line.
Practical Considerations for the Arris
While an arris is a natural result of milling or shaping wood, it often requires attention for practical or aesthetic reasons.
Sanding the Arris
A key point regarding an arris is its potential sharpness. For safety, comfort, and to prevent damage (like splintering), this edge is frequently modified.
- Common Practice: It is common to sand this edge to make it less sharp.
- Purpose: Sanding or otherwise softening the arris reduces the risk of cuts or scrapes and gives the timber a slightly rounded or eased edge, often called 'easing the arris'.
Arris vs. Bevel
The reference also mentions 'Bevel'. While related to edges, a bevel is different from an arris.
| Feature | Arris | Bevel |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A sharp edge where two surfaces meet | An angle on the edge of two meeting surfaces |
| Character | Represents the line of intersection | Is an angled surface deliberately created |
| Treatment | Often softened (e.g., by sanding) | Is the angled edge itself |
An arris is the sharp line itself, whereas a bevel is a surface cut at an angle other than 90 degrees to the main face, specifically designed to replace the sharp arris.
In summary, when you hear 'arris' in the context of timber, think of the sharp corner where two surfaces meet, not a type of wood. This edge is often softened for functional and aesthetic reasons.
