Lee Valley Tools - Woodworking Newsletter

Woodworking Newsletter
Vol. 1, Issue 1
October 2006

Wood as a Material

Moisture
It's important to use dry lumber in the construction of indoor projects. If an appropriate level of dryness isn't achieved, warping or splitting can result as the wood continues to season in relatively arid indoor air.

Air-dried lumber is seasoned naturally in open air. You should always allow it to dry further in the environment in which it will be used. Leave it in your house for a couple of weeks (or even months) before using it. Ensure it is properly stacked, with space between the boards. Kiln-dried wood is seasoned in a specially conditioned room under a controlled environment. Using this type of lumber is less risky, but remember, it's still important to consider where the wood has been recently. If it has been stored outdoors or in an unconditioned storage facility, it may also need to be acclimatized before use.

Measuring Lumber
Lumber is measured by its nominal dimensions, which is the size of rough lumber after it has been cut at the sawmill. Typically, the price you pay is based on this measurement, even though its final (useable) dimensions will be less once it's dressed.

For example, a 1"x6"x8' nominal board is typically 3/4"x5-1/2"x8' dressed. It's important to take this discrepancy into account when purchasing rack stock from a home center.

Rough lumber is sold by the board foot (BF), which is 144 cubic inches. The 1"x6"x8' nominal board mentioned earlier is four BF. Keep in mind that the actual measurement of this rough board is only approximate, due to the shrinkage that occurs during seasoning.

Selection
As you improve your skill and become more comfortable with tools and techniques, it's worthwhile to devote more time to finding and selecting higher quality woods, which will highlight your craftsmanship and make the most of your finished product.

When choosing wood, consider your project's design and its intended use. Selecting boards with an interesting and complementary appearance is another important aspect of your woodworking. For some projects, richly colored woods with interesting, figured grains are more appropriate, while for others, woods with subdued coloration and plain grain may be preferable.

With the know-how, the right tools and a great selection of wood, every project can be your best.

Michel Theriault