: 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
I hope you're planning to use a band saw. With a band saw, you can resaw into 1x6 even if the boards are bowed. Then use the table saw to cut 1x6 into strips. I've done this and it works very well. Just set up stable infeed and outfeed supports. I don't think it's a good idea to soak the board.
Stan Woronko