How-To
Wood Moves
Warped lumber is less of a problem if you monitor moisture content and take steps to reduce variations in humidity
Mike Dunbar thinks a woodworker’s shop is incomplete without a thermometer, a humidity gauge, a moisture meter, and a copy of Understanding Wood by R. Bruce Hoadley. To that end, this article provides strategies for acclimating kiln-dried wood in your shop to limit warping and twisting. Equalize stock in your shop before working it, and monitor it with a moisture meter. Dunbar has been known to store wood under the bed or in the attic, depending on the humidity in those areas.
From Fine Woodworking #141
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Stanley Powerlock 16-ft. tape measure
With its smooth lock, tough case, compact size, and excellent accuracy, this Stanley tape is perfect for workshop use.
Double Sided Tape
A thin woven core makes XFasten tape strong yet not too thick (0.008 in.), and helps it hold powerfully without being difficult to peel off.
Rockler Deluxe Panel Clamp
These clamps can handle glue-ups between 10 in. and 36 in. wide, and boards up to 3 in. thick. Sliding feet attach to the lower bars with magnets, letting you position them quickly for stability on any surface. The spring-loaded jaws adjust easily, dropping into notches along the bars. And the powerful clamp handles clear the benchtop.
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