Comments on: Precisely Dimension Rough Lumber in Eight Steps (Part 2 of 2) http://woodtreks.com/system-for-sizing-rough-lumber-in-eight-steps-2-of-2-video/1043/ Keith Cruickshank's Video Blog For Wood Craft & Wood Art Enthusiasts Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:24:21 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v= hourly 1 By: Tom O'Brien http://woodtreks.com/system-for-sizing-rough-lumber-in-eight-steps-2-of-2-video/1043/comment-page-1/#comment-870 Tom O'Brien Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:47:54 +0000 http://woodtreks.com/?p=1043#comment-870 These videos cover some things I had already learned about rough lumber, but in somewhat more detail. I especially liked the emphasis on using the right surface for reference and the tapping to test the cutoff for checks. Is there a particular sound to listen for, or just whether it falls apart? Although it's time-consuming, I like working with rough lumber because it is less expensive and I get a greater sense of accomplishment at project completion. <em> Keith's Note: Tom - It's interesting that you made this comment, because this is exactly how I felt when I met with Eric. This whole process seems obvious, especially to intermediate and even more advanced woodworkers, but there are many subtle techniques and ideas that Eric shares that really help woodworkers improve their results. More accuracy, faster, more refined results. The tapping sound (Eric's cross-cut test) should be "solid" and I get the sense that your ear will learn to detect a weakness. The main reason to tap is to make sure the wood holds together. That will detect most flaws. And finally, to pick up on your comment about liking to use rough lumber - One of the key reasons to use rough lumber is that you can mill it to very exacting tolerances. You can't do that if it's already been thicknessed by a lumber yard. With pre-processed lumber there is no way to mill out the inevitable twists, warps, and other flaws that develop while wood is stored.</em> These videos cover some things I had already learned about rough lumber, but in somewhat more detail. I especially liked the emphasis on using the right surface for reference and the tapping to test the cutoff for checks. Is there a particular sound to listen for, or just whether it falls apart? Although it’s time-consuming, I like working with rough lumber because it is less expensive and I get a greater sense of accomplishment at project completion.

Keith’s Note: Tom – It’s interesting that you made this comment, because this is exactly how I felt when I met with Eric. This whole process seems obvious, especially to intermediate and even more advanced woodworkers, but there are many subtle techniques and ideas that Eric shares that really help woodworkers improve their results. More accuracy, faster, more refined results.

The tapping sound (Eric’s cross-cut test) should be “solid” and I get the sense that your ear will learn to detect a weakness. The main reason to tap is to make sure the wood holds together. That will detect most flaws.

And finally, to pick up on your comment about liking to use rough lumber – One of the key reasons to use rough lumber is that you can mill it to very exacting tolerances. You can’t do that if it’s already been thicknessed by a lumber yard. With pre-processed lumber there is no way to mill out the inevitable twists, warps, and other flaws that develop while wood is stored.

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