Interlocking Grain?

[Aaron Beaver]

I was reading an insert from a book and it stated strenghts and weakness of woods. One of the weaknesses was interlocking grain, but it didn't tell me what it was or how it effects working with the wood. Someone explain it to me?

Thanks

[Jim Becker]

Interlocking grain can pose challenges when jointing and planing relative to tear-out...the direction flips around a bunch.

[lou sansone]

I believe elm might be a good example
lou

[Fred Woodward]

Gum wood is another example. Google up red gum or sweet gum.
The colors are great and varied and it finishes up very well, BUT, you need sharp knives on the jointer and planer and your router/shaper bits. Checking can be another issue with the gum. Take small bites.
Yes, it can be problematic, but it is very pretty wood when finished. :D

[Aaron Beaver]

Thanks I will look some of those up.