Effect of wood machining on the wood surface properties: color, roughness, gloss and chemical composition

Surface properties are some of the most influencing the esthetical quality of products made of wood, especially these related to furniture or non-construction uses. The surface is typically created by diverse variations of cutting; sawing, planning, sanding or so on. It is clear therefore that the cutting process itself influences the wood surface properties in the great extent. A dedicated research has been conducted in order to quantify the effect of the wood machining on the selected properties of surface. The paper present results of such measurements, especially related to color, roughness, gloss and chemical composition. Tests were performed with booth; standard measurement probes (such as near infrared spectrophotometer, color meter, stylus and gloss meter) and original prototypes developed exclusively for measuring woodlike surfaces. The surface roughness has been measured (beside of the stylus) with laser displacement sensor. Significant variations of the parameters characterizing the surface properties have been noticed for sawing (circular and band saws), planning, sanding (fine and rough) as well as other cutting techniques. The cutting direction (in relation to the grain angle) has been also affecting the surface properties measured.