Hey everyone! I'm trying to wrap my head around the best practices for wood acclimation and milling, especially when it comes to gluing up panels. I've read that after jointing or planing, it's good to wait a day to see how the wood behaves. But doesn't that mean I might need to joint the edges again before gluing if I wait? Should I glue it up right after milling to get the best fit?
3 Answers
I've had a similar experience! I made a cutting board once and glued it up right after milling, but it warped after a couple of days. The next time, I let the pieces rest for a few days after milling, just checked them for flatness, and then glued them up. That prevented any warping or issues later on, so patience really pays off!
It really varies based on several factors. Consider the type of wood, its moisture content, and even the climate where you'll be working. Sometimes letting it sit for a day or two is crucial for things to adjust. There's no one-size-fits-all rule here, so always check your specific situation.
You can actually break it down into two steps! First, mill your wood oversized and let it sit for a bit. Then, after waiting, you can remill it to your final size before gluing up. This way, any adjustments needed because of warping can be taken care of before the final fit.