Oak boards thickness

Sawyer Rob · Sep 28, 2016

The problem with sawing at 4/4 is, it assumes that all lumber will dry perfectly flat or nearly so...

BUT, that isn't what happens in my world and also, most times I like my lumber to finish out a bit more than 3/4" too...

Like for instance, a table top, (they use the most lumber) they look MUCH better thicker. And that allows me to decorate (route) the edge too... Same with cutting boards ect....

SR

TnAndy · Sep 28, 2016

Sawyer Rob said:
Like for instance, a table top, (they use the most lumber) they look MUCH better thicker. And that allows me to decorate (route) the edge too... Same with cutting boards ect....

SR

Which is certainly a reason to cut 5/4, or thicker. I cut everything from 1" to 8-10" thick stuff for fireplace mantels, but try to have a plan in mind for what I'm cutting when I'm cutting it.

But to routinely cut that thick for lumber that will end up 3/4" finished I still contend is a waste of lumber turned into planer shavings.

rosso1000 · Oct 2, 2016

A lot of great advices,

should I saw the logs right away or is better to wait for a year (after the trees are cut down) before making boards?

wolc123 · Oct 2, 2016

It would be a good idea for you to paint the ends of the logs, especially if you wait that long to saw them. That will prevent splitting on the ends of the boards. The sooner you cut the logs after felling the trees, the sooner the lumber will be dry and ready to use.

Sawyer Rob · Oct 2, 2016

Coat the ends of the logs with Anchorseal (from UC Coatings) and mill them ASAP!!

SR

scott_vt · Oct 2, 2016

Good Afternoon Rosso,
I totally agree with Sawyer Rob, I would much rather make a few extra wood chips joining or planing a board, than not having sufficient stock to make a flat straight board at the right thickness !
Im not a sawyer but I have milled a lot of lumber for various wood working projects.

Also take a look on You Tube for some very good information on proper stickering techniques, for keeping your boards flat and straight. And yes, coat the end grain of your boards with Anchor Seal or something similar !

scotty