Less for more

[rocke1]

We have all noticed the breakfast food box has less but cost is more but I was very dissapointed after my trip to the lumber yard for some 4/4 African Mahogany. Been buying there for 15 years or so and looked for lumber with at least minimum distortions. Usually the wood measures 1 and 1/8 or so leaving plenty to work out the kinks with jointer and planner for projects that end up at 3/4 inches. Well I shoulda looked at the thickness. After unloading the lumber at home i saw that most boards were 7/8 at best and some were 3/4! At $5.50- a board foot that was a real bum deal.
Ah, less for more the watchword of the day.

Rock
VA Beach VA.

[charlese]

Hi Rock! Yep, everyone must be careful when selecting lumber. Whether 4/4, 5/4 or planed 2 sides, 3 or 4. Sometimes the sawmills don't always supply as ordered.

Always take a caliper or gauge with you to the lumber yard. A moisture meter too, if you have one. A ruler will also work, but here is a handy little device:http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&cat=1,43513,51657,58701&p=58701

[john]

Rock:

I have gotten into the habit of taking a tape measure with me to both measure the length of a board and the thickness. Like you, I often count on that extra 1/8" of thickness. The tape also goes with me to big box stores where I buy my pine. Those boards are getting narrower each year.

Chuck's idea is also good.

John