Tim N Posted February 16, 2019 Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 I am in the early stages of processing my own white oak hardwood floors. Currently the wood is air drying, and will be for the next few months. I have about 2300 BFT of various widths and lengths and have a few questions as to what to expect during processing, and maybe some suggestions on what to avoid or how to process in an efficient manner. The boards will need jointed, planed, tongue and grooved, sanded, and probably some relief grooves on the underside. Any help or suggestions will be appreciated. Lots of work I know, but it will be worth the efforts!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted February 16, 2019 Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 Never done that myself, but Matt Cremona has some stuff on Youtube where he did a floor with wood he processed all the way from a standing tree. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim N Posted February 16, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 Thanks wtnhighlander, I appreciate the response. I seen that video already, Matt has some cool stuff on the Tube. I was hoping to get some insight from others experiences if possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardA Posted February 16, 2019 Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 How are you drying it? Do you have a moisture meter? You need to bring the MC to what the inside of the house you're installing it in, is. When you consider your time, and the tools necessary to accomplish this, you'll find it a tad more expensive than buying the flooring you require.. I understand wanting to be able to say "I did that" but it seems a waste to me. Few people notice a floor, it's [Pun intended] beneath them. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim N Posted February 16, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 I have it stickered out side under a covered deck, the end grains have been sealed with Anchor Seal, also I have been keeping a record of the MC about every two weeks. Once it reaches 12-15% I’ll finish it off in my basement shop. I’ve considered the time and tool costs but I figure I’m doing something I love when working with wood and hopefully producing something the wife and I enjoy. The tools are negligible as they will produce a return well out weighing their cost. Not necessarily concerned with if visitors notice it or not but I get what you are saying. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted February 16, 2019 Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 I think that’s a neat idea Tim, taking it from start to finish! I would think that the mc will be your biggest concern. Touch base back with us on your progress. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted February 16, 2019 Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 For that much flooring, I'd consider getting a shaper, if you don't have one already. And don't try to skip the bottom grooves. According to the National Hardwood Flooring Association, they exist, and are positioned, to provide a space for slinters to beak out into as the nails punch through. Without them, the splinters or chips form pivot points between the subfloor and hardwood, resulting in a squeaky floor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim N Posted February 16, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 I’m definitely thinking router table/shaper for the t&g and probably the bottom grooves. The long lengths concern me a little bit but I suspect if I make some sort of infeed/outfeed tables everything should go easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom King Posted February 16, 2019 Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 A shaper with a feeder, at least. Edge profiles could be cut in one pass. Or take it to a millwork shop, who would run it through a straightline rip saw, and then a molder. It needs to be as dry as it will ever get in the house. Flooring I've bought over the years is typically at 6%. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim N Posted February 16, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 6-7% MC is my goal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drzaius Posted February 16, 2019 Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 11 hours ago, wtnhighlander said: For that much flooring, I'd consider getting a shaper, if you don't have one already. And don't try to skip the bottom grooves. According to the National Hardwood Flooring Association, they exist, and are positioned, to provide a space for slinters to beak out into as the nails punch through. Without them, the splinters or chips form pivot points between the subfloor and hardwood, resulting in a squeaky floor. That is something I did not know, but it makes perfect sense. @Tim N, how many square feet do you need to end up with, & what width will the finished boards be? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted February 16, 2019 Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 Please document this. Some day I'd love to do this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim N Posted February 16, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 3 hours ago, drzaius said: That is something I did not know, but it makes perfect sense. @Tim N, how many square feet do you need to end up with, & what width will the finished boards be? I have about 1800 sqft of floor to lay and the boards will vary in width from about 4” to 16” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim N Posted February 16, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 3 hours ago, Chestnut said: Please document this. Some day I'd love to do this. Still several months from starting the project but will try and get something shared when done 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drzaius Posted February 16, 2019 Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 What do you have for a planer & jointer? If the average board width is 6" then that's about 3800 lineal feet to mill & machine. Might make a good argument for carbide cutter heads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim N Posted February 16, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 1 hour ago, drzaius said: What do you have for a planer & jointer? If the average board width is 6" then that's about 3800 lineal feet to mill & machine. Might make a good argument for carbide cutter heads. Helical head cutters on both the jointer and planer. Only a 15” planer though so I will have to rip my wider stock to fit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wouldwurker Posted February 19, 2019 Report Share Posted February 19, 2019 (edited) Edited...I don’t know how to read. Edited February 19, 2019 by vinnyjojo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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