A Guide to Rough Cutting
Chris Schwarz wants you to stop wasting wood!!! Below, Chris explains how he determines dimensions for rough-cutting lumber to size.
Chris Schwarz wants you to stop wasting wood!!! Below, Chris explains how he determines dimensions for rough-cutting lumber to size.
If the concern is defects in the end of a board, would exploratory 1/4” cut off slices give you the confidence to cut boards from wide stock with a shorter length margin? Test bend each slice to see if it snaps at a hidden check? I suppose it depends on whether long thinner cut offs and scraps are more useful than potentially making a ton of end grain kindling.
I also give careful consideration to whether the piece gets ripped first or crosscut first. Will it save me from additional cuts or make the remaining piece unusable for the project.