Replies

1. 
   non trad stu | Jan 15, 2008 08:42pm | #1

   The short answer is, yes you can!  However, there are several things to take into account.  You say the wood is what you have harvested so not to be obvious but is it dry?  In other words if air dried how and how long (depends on thickness) or was it kiln dried?  Next is the matter of seasonal movement and it will, so your design must allow for this.  Another not so minor considerstion is how you intend to machine, joint and finish machine the pieces.  This is largely affected by the machinery you have and your skill/confidence level.  And of course you need to consider how important aesthetics are which dictate your approach to finishing.  Any questions feel free to ask.

1. 
   juantamad | Jan 16, 2008 03:41am | #2

   Thanks for the reply.

   Most of the wood (about 600 board feet) has been air dried for the past 3 years.  Average thickness is 1 inch.  Moisture content is about 8% for the ones that I have stored in my basement. 

   The rest of the wood has been air dried for about 6 months--I plan to have this wood kiln dried.

   I have been using my 8 inch spiral cutter jointer and my portable planer to prepare my stock. I am getting better atthis and gaining more confidence.  By the way--why is the machincery that I have a significant consideration?  Also, is there a particular way that is best to machine, joint and finish machine my pieces?

   Coud you recommend magazine articles, books or DVD material to help me design projects to take the seasonal movement into consideration?

   Thanks for your help.

1. 
   non trad stu | Jan 16, 2008 06:27pm | #3

   My initial questioning was because I was unsure as to what you meant (in terms of capability) by "novice woodworker".  But sounds like you're at least familiar with the basics.  And I envy the spiral cutter on your jointer!  As a matter of curiousity how do you know that the moisture content is 8%?  That is do you have a moisture meter or?  In any event it's at the right moisture content to start work.  My question about machinery was to do with approaches that might be open to you in terms of joinery, for example I'm assuming you have a table saw.  So there are various ways to edge joint bords together, with bisquits, tongue and groove, dowels, and others plus plain old but joints.  All work well with varying levels of difficulty in doing well and accurately. The challenge with all edge jointing is how to align and maintain alignment of the boards so that once they are glued up there is minimal (but always some) finish levelling to be done.  Depending on how deep the shelving will be you may have to pay attention to edge grain orientation on adjacent boards.  Typicallly it's wise to alternate end grain up and down board by board this tends to keep the surface flatter over time than if you orient alll end grain the same way.

   As to books on design etc. there are so many out there I would'nt know where to start.  Perhaps the seminal text on wood and it's properties is Bruce Hoadley's "Understanding Wood".  Gets a little technical but is an excellent reference text.  Any of the Taunton Press and/or Fine Woodworking collections will get you started.  Suggest you do a search on this web site.  Also search Amazon.com.

   Good luck with your project.  It's a good one for the learning experience.

1. 
   juantamad | Jan 17, 2008 04:52am | #4

   Thanks again for the reply.

   I have been in the process of putting together my workshop for the past 3 years. And yes, I have a moisture meter and a table saw. I finally am at the point where I can start to build furniture and other projects. I consider myself a novice woodworker since I have not built any furniture projects yet. I have built a table for my planer and my router table based on a design from one of the FineWoodworking magazines. I have done a lot of reading in wood working magazines as well as several books. That is why I am familiar with the basics but have not yet practiced what I have learned.

   I really appreciate your taking the time to answer my questions.