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Discussion Outline The Goal is Accuracy Wood Movement Milling   The Goal is Accuracy Wood Movement Milling Techniques to increase accuracy My Most Used Tools

Wood Movement

Milling From the sawmill (rough stock) hardwoods are measured in ¼ increments: 4/4, 8/4 etc

Milling Tools 1. Jointer 3.a. Planner Flat side and straight edge that is 90 degrees to the flat edge S2S. Table saw With the table saw we obtain an S3S board AND an edge that is parallel to the straight edge formed on the jointer. 3.a. Planner The Thickness Planner forms a face parallel to the original face formed on the jointer. The lumber is now S4S. 3.b. Band Saw is an optional tool in the milling process. The band saw is used to remove the most material from the remaining rough face prior to planing. This reduces the amount of work required of the Thickness Planner and reduces the dust and number of times the operator must feed the planer.

Techniques to increase accuracy Gang cutting Square an end on several pieces of lumber. Lay the various pieces on top of each other, ensuring the square ends are perfectly aligned then make the final cut through all pieces on the non-squared ends. 2. Marking and measuring instruments - Use a sharp knife to mark a cut line rather than a pencil. - As much as possible limit marking with a ruler. It is much better to mark in place. - Brass bars are more accurate for blade height adjustment than using a ruler. - Scrap/sacrificial stock milled to same measures as the stock being used. - Reference marks - Mental awareness Right saw blade

Saw blades are either for ripping or cross cutting.

4. Sliding tables are much more accurate than a miter gage. 5 4. Sliding tables are much more accurate than a miter gage. 5. Dry fit all parts and adjust as necessary.

What is your take-away? Other considerations The most important factor to improve accuracy is to ensure your lumber is flat and all 4 edges are 90 degrees to the adjoining faces. Align the project pieces spatially and make appropriate reference marks. Mark all faces including a reference to front/back, left/right and top/bottom. To ensure equal lengths on adjoining sides, gang cut the pieces. Minimize the use of a ruler Plan cuts to improve accuracy i.e. reduce the number of set-ups Other considerations When using the miter saw be sure to measure square ends always using the edge that rests against the fence. Ripping pieces a little wider than the final cut allows a final trim cut that will remove any tear-out.

The Tools I Use the Most Table saw - ripping Miter Saw – cross cutting Jointer – flat face and 90 degree and straight edge Band Saw – reduces dust and workload of planer/drum sander Drum Sander – acts as a planer and final sander Accurate (90 degrees) adjustable square Brass height gages Caliper Sharp marking instruments Sliding Table