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Warp lumber

3K views 13 replies 12 participants last post by  hhhopks 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
What do you folks do with those warp lumber pieces that may be too challenging to obtain workable material from? It is highly questionable if it is worthwhile to flatten out or to cut up the pieces where it is still useful. What can you make with these odd end pieces beside a nice warm fire for the winter months?
 
#2 ·
Since warped boards are seldom evenly curved, it's often possible to "salvage" part of it by cutting off the straight part(s) and scraping the curve.

You can also use slightly "irregular" pieces in places where they'll be screwed, nailed, or glued to another piece. I've even used slightly curved boards for drawer fronts. I attach them from the inside of the drawer box with screws which sucks them down flat and straight.

But some of it is just expensive firewood. - lol
 
#4 ·
It depends how severely warped they are. Generally you can cut them into shorter pieces and joint and plane them into thinner boards. Some times you can suck a mildly warped board into being straight through joinery and a lot of clamps, that can be risky though as it may warp the whole project.
 
#6 ·
warping means: cutting into two pieces (on the length) and install them one opposite of the other, or if it is in the width, cut into a little width and remold or just sand in rough side if it were a finished deck. Anyway, this is what we do with warped boards.

There is also a tool designed for warped boards, it is called a BoWrench, see here for a picture (picture 3):
http://www.roquevalente.com/ipe_deck_installation_storage.htm

Warping by the way is due to poor drying, your supplier sold you wet boards (with a high moisture content) and then after due to its grains tensions arrise because of drying and then it starts to warp. What your supplier should have done is to have it dried and then cut or mold all the warpings and other defect out.
 
#11 ·
If the warp is primarily at one end… cut it off and then see if you can use the jointer/TS/planer to get a smaller piece out of what's left….

If the stick is badly warped and looks like it will take to much work to salvage anyting useful…. into the firepalce it goes.
 
#14 ·
Somehow, I always end up with these short warp cutoffs where none of them can be used for anything. But on those rear occasions where a naturally curved piece is needed none can be found!

I guess you salvage what you can and call it good and move on with life. At lease we'll be roasting marshmallow and making smores this coming fall/winter. So it can't be all bad : )
 
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