Boards cut in a flat sawn manner near the center of the log will in fact have more or less quarter sawn vertical grain.

It's all in selecting the board for the grain and color.

In the end, a stripper is ALL ABOUT THE WOOD!

The difference between a great stripper and an exceptional one is the wood selected.

Worrying about waste probably creates more waste in the long run by trying to cut things too close. I use any thin cut offs for many of my various hot glue clamping methods.

In the past, I've driven many miles to lumber yards and felt obligated to buy wood which was just okay. I didn't want to waste money and time by coming home empty handed. And I didn't know what I could find.

Now I go on a treasure hunt! The beauty of the wood trumps everything for me.

I think it's worth the effort.

Rob