“Torn grain Torn grain occurs when the unsupported fibers of the wood are lifted away from the surface and ripped off or pulled out. You can usually see this effect on the exterior of a cross-grain bowl at the end grain area. The trailing edge of the end grain cuts well and the leading edge does not since the fibers are unsupported. (Drawings 8 and 9) There are many causes of torn grain: dull tools, pushing the tool too hard or too fast, turning at a lathe speed that is too slow, the tendency of some soft-fiber wood to easily fray, and just bad luck. 7. Support the scrapers on top of your arm to assure the safest cutting angle. 8. The trailing edge of the end grain with supported fibers being cut. 9. The unsupported leading edge of the end grain leads to potential tear out. Addressing torn grain issues Sanding is not a solution to torn grain; recutting the torn grain area with adjustments must be done. •Resharpen your tool and take a lighter cut with a faster lathe speed. •Use a smaller diameter gouge to bring the cutting edge closer to the supporting bevel. •Change the tool geometry to allow the bevel to move closer to the cutting edge providing more support to the cut. Try shortening the bevel length by grinding some of the heel away. •Stiffen the fibers to hold them in place while the tool cuts by applying a coat of shellac before the final cut. •If possible, reverse the lathe direction and recut with the opposite rotation. This may or may not help, as now the grain in the opposite direction is a risk!”