Hello all, I have some 4/4, flat sawn, soft maple to turn into drawer sides and backs. The wood has 6-8% moisture content. A couple pieces are at 10%. Most of the wood in my shop is at 6-8% right now. The boards have been rough milled to length and width. There’s isn’t any detectable cupping or twist in the boards. In other words, they’re pretty flat as is. A third of the boards will have final width 5 and 5 3/4 inches and reduced to 1/2″ final thickness, another third, 6 1/2 and 7 1/4 inches wide, will be milled to 9/16″ thick and the last third, 8 and 8 3/4 inches wide, will have 5/8″ final thickness. I have about 3 to 4 weeks before I’m ready to start building the drawers. I’ve thought about milling equal amounts off both sides using jointer/planer to within 1/8″ of final thickness, let them rest and then mill to final thickness or resaw to within 1/8″ on the bandsaw or finally just joint/plane a little off, say 1/8″, let them rest for a few days until no movement detected, then repeat until final thickness is reached. Any suggestions out there on best way to get these down to rough then final thickness? Thanks.
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Replies
You have already answered your own question, I think.
Assuming the boards are acclimated to your shop, I'd start by seeing how the boards look and behave with a face side planed.
If they look good then you can take equal amounts off both sides until close then let them rest as you describe.
For the half-inch thicknesses, it is seriously tempting to take a slice off on the band saw and have a bit of veneer to use later. I'd leave the board a bit longer after that to see how it goes if you do that - a day or two should be enough. For me, I'd not try to get closer to size than is necessary to leave a useful offcut. Even with care a blade can wander and spoil a good cut
To me trying to bandsaw flatsawn stock to save a sliver is not worth it unless it is very pretty or pricey wood. These are drawer sides so I'm guessing it is the sub-species of soft maple called "just". Your plan for milling from both faces is sound.
When you are ready to build your drawers, joint a face and edge flat and square. Take alternating light cuts on the planer to finish thickness and assemble your drawers.
In my experience, the milling schedule (resting)you are contemplating is unnecessary and can actually be counter productive.
I would not bandsaw the waste.
Best of luck.
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