![Beech](https://cdn.magzter.com/1362599467/1687795784/articles/HvRow43gF1690528689786/BEECH.jpg)
Nothing to see here, folks. Most beech has a ho-hum appearance. Seeing even a bit of figure passes for excitement.
American beech, Fagus grandifolia, may not have the dramatic figure or exciting color to earn a starring role in your next high-end woodworking project, but it is a solid performer that deserves an audition in your shop. Flatsawn beech generally has a bland appearance with subdued figure. Quartersawn beech typically shows tiny ray flecks, though these may sometimes be more pronounced. Regardless of how it’s cut, beech’s tight structure eliminates the need for a grain filler to achieve a smooth finish.
Beech’s plain appearance isn’t necessarily a liability. When showing off your joinery skills, for example, you don’t want flawless hand-cut dovetails to get lost in dark wood or swirling figure. Much like using every fancy wood scrap in your shop to make a cutting board can leave the viewer confused—the eye doesn’t know where to look. Plainer wood plays a supporting role to make fancier woods look their best. Plus, beech is not used to being treated as a star, so it doesn’t ask for top dollar.
A wide range of roles
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Denne historien er fra August - September 2023-utgaven av Woodcraft Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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![Beech](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2821/1356965/HvRow43gF1690528689786/BEECH.jpg)
Beech
Plain looks, but a solid performer
![Working with PLASTIC LAMINATE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2821/1356965/nQ0EUvx9X1690528079952/WORKING-WITH-PLASTIC-LAMINATE.jpg)
Working with PLASTIC LAMINATE
Adding a durable, smooth, and colorful surface to your work
![High-Tech ROUTER TABLE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2821/1356965/fn7rThd_S1690527338168/HIGHTECH-ROUTER-TABLE.jpg)
High-Tech ROUTER TABLE
A state-of-the-art shop essential
![Albers-Inspired NESTING TABLES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2821/1356965/RImFQRv-71690526267922/ALBERSINSPIRED-NESTING-TABLES.jpg)
Albers-Inspired NESTING TABLES
A colorful array of Bauhaus utility
![Desktop ORGANIZERS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2821/1356965/L6K0y7N5-1690525082640/DESKTOP-ORGANIZERS.jpg)
Desktop ORGANIZERS
Mini modules for your modern workspace
![Joiner's MALLET](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2821/1356965/6BILwILHE1690524534245/JOINERS-MALLET.jpg)
Joiner's MALLET
A hard-hitting shop hammer
![Battery-backed biscuiting](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2821/1288396/nJwH6h54J1682424150700/BATTERYBACKED-BISCUITING.jpg)
Battery-backed biscuiting
DeWalt 20V Max XR Biscuit Joiner
![Crosscut SLED](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2821/1288396/2ORDthESo1682421816843/CROSSCUT-SLED.jpg)
Crosscut SLED
A basic build of a crucial table saw accessory
![Power-carving BOWLS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2821/1288396/Yqf28OOzz1682421304509/POWERCARVING-BOWLS.jpg)
Power-carving BOWLS
Tools and techniques for sculpting
![Library STEPS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2821/1288396/wcYlIlZmf1682420708887/LIBRARY-STEPS.jpg)
Library STEPS
Mitered box joints give rise to an updated classic