I'm ready to step up from working with cedar and want to start my first cutting board project using hardwoods like maple and walnut. I've been checking out some lumber shops and Home Depot, but I'm feeling a bit intimidated by the process. I know moisture can be an issue, so I'm planning to buy kiln-dried hardwood to avoid that problem. However, I work from my garage, which tends to be pretty humid. Will this affect my project in any way? Also, should I go for S4S (surfaced on four sides) lumber or just raw lumber to work with? I've got a table saw, miter saw, router, and sander, but no planer or jointer. I could really use some advice on getting started with hardwood and ensuring my projects last without issues related to moisture and wood movement.
2 Answers
If you're unsure about where to buy wood, checking out local Facebook marketplace can yield good results for decent prices. And seriously, avoid S4S; rough sawn lumber is the way to go. Let it acclimate in your workshop for a few days, and make sure to cut it into rough sizes before final sizing after another couple of days. About moisture, your garage's humidity does matter. Just make sure you let your boards adapt before using them to minimize warping once you bring them inside.
First off, ditch the big box stores for your hardwood needs and seek out a local hardwood dealer. You'll get much better prices and quality. Trust me on this! Working with hardwood is a game changer; it's way more stable than softwood and makes your projects look fantastic. Kiln-dried wood is a solid choice, and while wood does move, learning to handle that is part of the fun. Plus, beginners often stress too much about perfection. Just dive in, make mistakes, and improve with each project! Oh, and don't forget to treat yourself to more tools as you go along!
Totally agree with this! It’s all about the journey, not just the final product!
That’s helpful! What if my garage is really humid compared to inside my house? Should I look into dehumidifying my garage?