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Gene Wengert

Gene Wengert, “The Wood Doctor” has been training people in efficient use of wood for 45 years. He is extension specialist emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Wood Dr

Planed lumber pieces that are bowed

Q. We have some lumber that we planed on our two-headed planer. We are certain that the lumber was flat going and coming out. We then stacked the lumber and now about four weeks later, we are seeing a lot of pieces that are bowed. In fact, within the stack, all are bowed the same direction…ends down and center up. Where should we look?

Wood Dr

Variations in 2 x 4 dimensions

Q. I am trying to use 2 x 4 and 2 x 6s from the local lumber yard, but I see that the actual size varies a little bit. Why is this, as I thought all pieces were supposed to be the same?