On Milling

Though I know better, I ended up with this seriously warped side panel for the steps I’m making for my son.

Its got a wee bit of cupping.

Convention holds – and I agree – that there are two (2) good methods for milling.

The best method is to perform you initial milling and get pieces close – but not all the choice – to size. Then give them a few days to sit and re-acclimate. They will cup and twist some as the newly exposed surfaces acclimate. You can then remove the cupping and twisting when you do your final milling to exact size just before assembly.

The not quite as good but still usually acceptable method is to start milling and take the piece right to exact final dimensions. Then assembly immediately, before anything can warp or twist.

Alas, I did not heed either of these strategies. I was simply working as much and as fast as I could during the limited time I had. This meant that on Saturday I milled pieces from start to their final, exact dimensions. Because of the 2x10 stock I was using, this involved taking ½” off the face of the boards. Then I put them achoice for the night.

On Saturday night I found them to still be very (if not perfectly) flat. I cut pins in the top of my side pieces and then glued them up.

On Monday night I entered the shop to find one of my steps severely cupped. Then I unclamped the sides and found that one of them was severely cupped also.

At least the table saw is flat. The top step? Not so much.

I’m hoping that I can fight them to flat with my Woodpeckersaluminum cauls and then force the step stool together without too much trouble. If that doesn’t work I’ll try cutting a slot or two in the inside face, clamping it flat and filling the slots with epoxy. As a final resort I can cut the two (2) pieces apart, re-flatten and re-glue.

Whichever method works, I’ve given myself more work and probably compromised the level of quality for the finished piece. Next time I’ll try to slow myself down and save time by milling properly.

Dont forget about the +Modern Woodworkers Association Podcast. We talk woodworking with Guests from around the world of woodworking every other week. Subscribe to the RSS feed or iTunes today.

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What Cool Kids Will Be Asking At Woodworking in America

I leave for Woodworking in America 2013 in two (2) days. As you can imagine, my excitement is tempered by the pile of work I have to do between now and then. Given the size of that pile, I was about to write an "Im lame and too busy for a proper post" post. Luckily, Modern Woodworkers Association members have come though and I can write an "Im really busy but this was a quick post to write" post. One that is hopefully also somewhat informative.

No one can escape the 5 questions.

We started a tradition last year of asking 5 questions to the woodworkers we met at WIA. Last week I asked for suggestions on 5 more questions. Many of your responded with great questions. Thank you.
After much consideration (and Changing up +Tom Iovinos suggestions) here are the 5 well be asking this year.

1. What was the first woodworking project you built?
2. What was the last woodworking project you built?
3. How messy is your shop, right now?
4. What is your go-to finish? Why?
5. Do you belong to a local woodworking club or guild?
Unfortunately, not everyones suggested questions made it in. Hopefully the selected ones will do. If youre dying to ask the question you submitted, hold onto it. Theyll be plenty of time to ask and discuss after hours.
Dont forget about the +Modern Woodworkers Association Podcast. We talk woodworking with Guests from around the world of woodworking every other week. Subscribe to the RSS feed or iTunes today.

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