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Old timer at the lumber yard taught me to read grain in 30 seconds flat
I was grabbing oak for a table build and this guy maybe 70 years old walks up and asks what I'm making. I told him and he just shook his head and said "you're gonna have cupping problems with that board within a month." He showed me how to look at the end grain rings and pick boards that keep the curve going the same direction. Saved me from ruining a $200 project. Anyone else get tips from random strangers that completely changed your process?
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xenagarcia12d ago
Oh my goodness, that is such a great tip. I've been woodworking for years and nobody ever explained the end grain like that to me. I've definitely had my share of warped boards that I just assumed were bad luck. It really shows how much you can learn from people who have been doing this for decades.
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Did you at least thank him before he went back to yelling at clouds?
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