Illini40 Posted December 7, 2014 Report Share Posted December 7, 2014 Hey everyone, I am currently limited if working with pine and poplar from the big box stores for starting out. I do not have a jointer or planer, but I do have a table saw. While the pine and poplar is sold as S4S, is it really square/straight enough? Would a jointer help square this material even more? Or, would there not be much to gain? I'm just doing some basic projects and nothing super high end, so trying to come to a final decision if I can get by without milling tools and buying these types of lumber from big box. **Disclaimer - yes, I am fully aware that in a perfect world, I would buy a jointer and planer, along with finding a hardwood dealer and buying rough sawn hardwood. Unfortunately, I'm not in that situation yet. Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted December 7, 2014 Report Share Posted December 7, 2014 Wood moves so, there's no way to be absolutely sure about the lumber. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted December 7, 2014 Report Share Posted December 7, 2014 Pine and poplar are better than some. They are both typically soft enough to true up with hand tools if that speaks to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted December 7, 2014 Report Share Posted December 7, 2014 You answered your own question, partner. BORG lumber is good enough to get started, but in order to take your work to the next level, you're gonna have to get the tools needed to get you there. Without a way of milling your own lumber to the dimensions you want, you're extremely limited. You can do it for way cheaper with handplanes if you learn how and you're a lunatic who gets a kick out of that kind of busy work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brendon_t Posted December 7, 2014 Report Share Posted December 7, 2014 Hmm.. taking a square into the store with you will help you pick the best of the pile. That won't help length wise bit you should be able to eyeball the edge pretty close. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodger. Posted December 7, 2014 Report Share Posted December 7, 2014 How about going to the lumberyard and having them surface it for you? Then at least it was done sometime recently, and therefor less chance of wonky boards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerrySats Posted December 7, 2014 Report Share Posted December 7, 2014 Just a side note , if you have a local lumber yard you may be able to buy those same woods cheaper at the lumber yard even if they mill it for you . S4S clear pine at my local LY runs around $1.75 LF for 1x6s . It may be worth your time to check into a local wood supplier like a lumber yard or sawmill depending where your located . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raefco Posted December 7, 2014 Report Share Posted December 7, 2014 I have spent years building nearly every thing out of pine from the box stores and the local lumber yards including my kitchen cabinets and vanities in my new house, nearly everyone that sees them is dumbfounded they were not only built in the basement in less than a week but for around 500 bucks. here is the vanity from the master bath unfinished. with out a planer, drum sander or jointer, a belt sander and small plane are your best friends, I generally did not even buy the good stuff I would usually sort through the #2 or #3 it is about 1/2 the price 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davewyo Posted December 7, 2014 Report Share Posted December 7, 2014 I think the answer is "Yes". You can get some good woodworking dome with the S4S stuff. It may be expensive by the board foot. Sure..it won't be as square as if you had freshly milled it. Sure...it may frustrate you a little and eventually you'll want some milling capabilities. In the meanwhile, you can use that lumber and build wonderful projects. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted December 8, 2014 Report Share Posted December 8, 2014 I have spent years building nearly every thing out of pine from the box stores and the local lumber yards including my kitchen cabinets and vanities in my new house, nearly everyone that sees them is dumbfounded they were not only built in the basement in less than a week but for around 500 bucks. here is the vanity from the master bath unfinished. with out a planer, drum sander or jointer, a belt sander and small plane are your best friends, I generally did not even buy the good stuff I would usually sort through the #2 or #3 it is about 1/2 the price You did a Helluva job!!! Nice looking piece Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted December 8, 2014 Report Share Posted December 8, 2014 I have spent years building nearly every thing out of pine from the box stores and the local lumber yards including my kitchen cabinets and vanities in my new house, nearly everyone that sees them is dumbfounded they were not only built in the basement in less than a week but for around 500 bucks. here is the vanity from the master bath unfinished. with out a planer, drum sander or jointer, a belt sander and small plane are your best friends, I generally did not even buy the good stuff I would usually sort through the #2 or #3 it is about 1/2 the price Very nice work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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