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HANDS-ON

Technique

working with

Dimensional Lumber ^

With a little planning and work, you can build great-looking, low-cost projects.

^? Lay Out the Parts. To make the best use of material, mark and cut out the pieces before jointing and planing.

It would be great to have a shop full of hardwood storage cabinets and benchtops. But let's face it, using expensive hardwood lumber for every shop project is a luxury few of us can afford. Fortunately, you don't have to break the bank to build durable and attractive cabinets, worksurfaces, or benches.

The solution is. as near as the local lumberyard — low-cost, "two-by" lumber. You're probably

already familiar with some of the downsides of dimensional lumber. It comes from a variety of species of pine, fir, or spruce and is often in pretty rough condition. In fact, warped, checked, twisted, and very wet lumber is common. So, it takes a bit more work to get the most out of thus material. But with a little extra planning and patience you can get great results.

Selection. Building a successful project with "ordinary lumber begins by choosing the right boards. When I shop for dimensional lumber, the first thing I look at is the moisture content. And most of the time I don't need a moisture meter to see how wet some of this lumber can be. These boards are often wet to the touch. That doesn't mean you should avoid these boards. All you need to do when you get them back to your shop is stack them with stickers (small pieces of wood) in

Still Wei? AMcm ihe lumber to dry by stadong the boards on wood sbekers for better air orcuiaaon

a place with good air circulation, as shown in the photo above, and < allow them to dry. Depending on ^ conditions, they'll be dry enough to work in a few weeks.

34 ShopNotes No. 1)2