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Lumber Prep

2K views 10 replies 9 participants last post by  craftsman on the lake 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
This may have come up before but I thought it would make a good topic - especially for the new LJ's. I was wondering if you guys prepare your lumber as you get it in the shop (after it has acclimated) or as you need it?
 
#2 ·
I prep the entire batch needed for the project at hand…. that way I can ensure all the like thickness piecess get their final pass through the planer during the same set up.

I've had quite a few rough cut boards twist up in my lumber rack, and I'd hate to pour labor into wood only to see a finished board warp on the racks and wind up in the firewood pile.
 
#3 ·
I agree with ssnvet and just work with the wood for the current project. I dimension everything and always include some extra pieces for machine set up of in case something doesn't work out with the intended pieces.
 
#5 ·
Yup, as needed. When I start a project I always break a long board down to pieces near the size I need and then mill them up. With the lumber I get I'd loose a lot more thickness if I tried to mill the entire 8'-14' board at one time.
 
#6 ·
As needed, and always plane the shortest length possible, i.e. cut your rough stock to rough length for each piece of the project, then plane.
 
#7 ·
Good idea LT15. I can't tell a lot by your photo (because its too small - and my eyes are too bad), but it looks just like a Wood-Mizer my best friend has (except his is portable). There have been times I've thought about getting one, but when my good bud has one, there's no need to….. as long as I don't piss him off.
 
#9 ·
I guess lumber would not include found wood.. which sits around for years. I let things "acclimate", but I check out each wood first.. some I know will dry funky and twist on me, so I cut them down a bit so there are no surprises as I work it later… but most just sit around awaiting my attention.. the poor things.
 
#10 ·
I buy most of my wood wholesale as kiln dried 8/4 rough in 16 foot lengths. I will run each face through the thickness planer to remove most of the rough and so I can see the grain pattern. Then it is onto the wood rack for storage. I try to buy 3 - 4 months' supply at a time (quantity discount).

When it comes time to do a project I pull wood off the rack, select what I need + extra and cross cut it off the 16' boards. The remaining board(s) go back on the rack.

I then flatten one face and join an edge. Then it is off to the resaw bandsaw for cutting to proper thickness + 1/8". I will then stack this wood and put a rough board on top for weight.

Since woodworking is not my full time job, it will be a couple of days before I get back to it.
 
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