I recently purchased two 2x6x16' boards of clear western red cedar. One of the boards is bowed like so ")" about 6" off center at each end. I intend to cut each into 1x6's, then slice the strips from the 1x6. Do I need to straighten the board before slicing it up into strips, or can it be cut as it is now. If it needs straightening, I plan to soak it water, then clamp it straight and air dry the board. I am concerned that the constant radius on the boards will hurt my chances of getting enough 16' long strips. And, or I'll slice a couple of fingers off as it goes through the table saw. Any opinions?
Thanks, Jim