Replies

1. 
   NickC | Oct 17, 2002 08:12am | #1

   Sizes like 4/4, 5/4, 6/6, etc. are really that thick, but they're not surfaced, so you will loose some thickness when you plane. For hardwoods I think it's safe to assume you will lose no more than 1/4 inch. So for example if you want 3/4 inch finished lumber, buy 4/4. Widths tend to vary by species, and whether the lumber is flat or quarter sawn. Around here (Maryland) I usually find Walnut in 6-8 inch widths, but red oak 6-10 inch. Lengths are usually around 8-10 feet. This is for stock the lumber dealer has on hand. You can order whatever you want. If the lumber dealer offers millwork service you can order exact finished sizes, but you pay a lot for the labor involved. Nick

1. 
   fonsecad | Oct 17, 2002 08:25am | #2

   Okay, but I'm still a little confused.  You mentioned 4/4, and 6/6, arn't these the same size 1"?  What the difference brtween the two?

   Don

1. 
   LeeEschen | Oct 17, 2002 10:01am | #4

   Typo!!! I think he meant 6/4. These designations are always n/4.

   --

   Lee in Cave Junction, Oregon

   On the Redwood Highway

2. 
   Splintie | Oct 17, 2002 08:49am | #3

   Check out this thread: http://forums.taunton.com/tp-knots/messages?msg=7362.1

3. 
   RW | Oct 18, 2002 02:46am | #5

   Initial response was accurate but I'd like to add. The quarter designation is what the sawyer goes by when he cuts the boards from the tree. a 4/4 designation is supposed to mean that the dried lumber should net 4/4 (or 1") in thickness. Depending on species, he may have the saw set then at 1 1/8" or so. It's not a bonehead question at all - we see all kinds of oddities across the country in how lumber is marketed and sold despite fairly clear standards. If you order 4/4 rough, you should get 1" boards. If you order 4/4 thats S2S (Surfaced 2 Sides) you should still net at least 13/16" to allow you margin of error down to your finished 3/4" thickness. Most S2S you find will be straightlined on one edge at some point, but that is no guarantee of straightness, only that it was once, and should make your work on a jointer / planer start out easier. Generally speaking, places that are true lumberyards deal pretty strictly in the quarter measurement, whereas your big home centers that sell cleaned up boards deal in true dimensions (3/4" clear pine is just that.) Another thing to consider in you're ordering is that with RWL, (random lengths & widths) as the guy is sticking the lumber with the rule he's sticking one end and the board goes by in a flash. On some boards you're buying what he read at that end (say 10") despite the fact that it's only 8 at the other of a 14' length. So get extra, and even FAS grades allow some knots and defects. 20% over what you think you'll really need is pretty reasonable if it's a special order.

1. 
   Splintie | Oct 18, 2002 08:28pm | #6

   Many of my exotics clean up at well over an inch--makes me wonder what they use for a measuring device, since "4/4" can yield up to 1-1/4" dressed.It seems especially true for certain species--even from different suppliers--notably purpleheart, wenge, padauk, and yellowheart. OTOH zebrano often is skimpy, so it's not a regional difference.  

2. 
   fonsecad | Oct 19, 2002 05:33am | #7

   Thanks for the explaination, and the 20% advice.  Oone more piece of the puzzle figured out.