Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Jun 27, 2008 04:15am | #1

   Wider is better than narrower in almost all cases.  If it were a mahogany table I would make it of a single board, and if walnut from two boards.  But I make period reproduction furniture where wide boards are really desirable.  No matter what style I were building I would never in a million years rip wider boards to glue up narrower pieces.   

   In general I would use the widest boards I could conveniently find and process.  That may mean less than 8" if I only had an 8" jointer.  I have a 16" jointer, but would be willing to 4-square a wider board by hand if necessary to use the single board top. 

   The most important thing is to take care to find boards that match.  Boards from the same tree are best, and if not possible, look for the most similar coloration and grain that you can find.  Also make sure you have enough wood that you can slip the boards a considerable distance to assure the most attractive grain matching.  (You need some good size pieces of scrap on which to test finishes.)

   As far as orienting the grain, the first priority is having an attractive top surface.  Then, if possible I would have the orientation of the growth rings all the same way, as Tage Frid taught.  That way, any tendancy of the boards to cup would almost all be controlled by the attachment to the table rails.  If you alternate the growth rings you might get a wash board effect that can't be so easily tamed.    

1. 
   CoachJP | Jun 27, 2008 10:04am | #2

   Thanks Steve,  this is very helpful.  Todate, I haven't ripped any stock to make narrower boards, I started with narrow boards.  I have a jointer and planer now so I can use wider boards.

   CJP