: . . .The boards they have though all measure about 13/16 to 7/8 thick. Does this
: mean that in order to be useable they would have to ran through a
: thickness planer? I think I need to stick with mostly 3/4 in thick. I will
: also need some 1/2 thick for narrower strips. . .

: . . So how does everyone come up
: with the correct thickness boards?

Answering the last question first: We don't ! Whatever thickness we coms up with is the correct one. If the plans call for 48 strips that are 3/4 inches wide, and your strips are narrower, then you'll use 50 or 55 strips. If your strips are 1 inch wide, you'll use about 42 strips. Boats made with plywood use 5 to 13 strips (of plywood).

rip the wood you have. If you absolutely want strips that are smaller, or narrower, then re set your saw and rip off any excess. Wide strips can be cut in half to make narrow strips.

Good luck with your project.

PGJ