Planning For Planing

[outofstepper]

My basic hand tools aren't assembled yet -- thats why I'm doing so much typing. Sorry.

I'm struggling with a question -- sure maybe putting the cart before the horse at this point.. but

its something I'm going to have to deal with for a while (until I get my own bandsaw).

Am I allowed to say bandsaw out loud here?

I plan to start on a hall table soon -- the rough stock is in the shop take'n in the view.

The table plans call for 1/2" nominal stock. that is, the aprons and the top are 1/2" (2/4).. with

2x2 legs.

Where I am, the smallest rough saw stuff I can get is 4/4.. or about 1" (it varies alot).

Now since I'm new to this, I'm think'n what the heck by the time i'm done figure'n out how the

planes work, i'll be down to 3/4 in no time.. so I should just have at it.

But it sure does feel like a waste. Figure, I could get two tables out of the stock i have if it

were the right size. (technically 3 tables as I bought enough to let me make some mistakes).

So here's my pickle:

1. starting with 4/4 stock I waste alot of wood and make a heavy hall table

or (2).. I could take it down the road and have someone bandsaw it for me.

I'm guessing that won't come out perfect.. and between that and my yet-unknown planing skills,

I may end up with 3/8" stock if I'm lucky.

That doesn't leave alot for the jointery.

Maybe the smartest thing to do is go buy 8/4 stock and have someone bandsaw it to something closer

to 1/2" -- but I've already got a good bit of wood.. and I can't forsee any really heavy work

in the near future that would need 4/4 boards.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

[Roger T]

Use the stock you have, work it to 3/4" or whatever it ends up, you can always bevel the edges to make the top appear thinner at the edges. No use in wasting the nice stock.

[outofstepper]

RogerT, Thanks.. that's probably what I'll do.. jump right in to the 1" boards.

I also worry that splitting the 1" board into two thinner boards might end up in

two very bowed boards.

-Tony