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Warped Wood?

I just got my wood board orders in and I still have to trim them to project sizes of 5" x 6", 6" x 6" and 6" x 7" in thicknesses from 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4" and 1".  A few of the boards are noticeably warped, especially the mahogany, cherry and walnut I got from Rockler.  Most of the Basswood boards I ordered from Blue Ribbon Woodcarving Supplies are pretty square and straight, a few of the 1/4" and 3/8" boards are slightly warped. I haven't found a local source for the boards yet, so I ordered them online.  I think the warp will be negligible once I cut the boards to project sizes but I am wondering how it might effect the process of carving and the final product.

Do you think I should bother jointing and planing the thicker boards into square?  I have a jointer and planer, but I still need to finish setting up that part of the "shop".

Jeff Morbit

 

Jeff,

Which way are they warped...cupped, twist or bend? I’ve carved warped wood before...I just flatten the back if it’s a relief that I’ll be hanging on a wall. The rest of the warpage gets carved away.

The only suggestion I would have tho is to check the moisture content if you have a meter. I’ve never ordered wood from Rockler, so I don’t know the quality of what they ship out. As long as the MC isn’t high, then you will be safe to carve away. Regular wood movement problems apply, so just be sure to check that before you create something awesome and have it warp back the other way later. (Been there done that!)

Matthew,

It is warped length wise from end to end, sow bowed actually.  The bow is about 1/8" in the center of the 24" length boards.  I have a meter coming on Monday and will check the MC when it comes in.

Thanks,

Jeff Morbit