Thickness of wood to use

[Hawaiilad]

If I have asked this question before, please forgive me....old age you [email protected][email protected]

I have played around a little with intarsia, but I want to practice more on it. We do not have allot of different woods here in the Islands, so I have to order it online. I know there are several sites I can shop at, but I was wondering what thickness of wood is best to purchase. I know I have to build up my stock, and just wondered what to order. I can cut down to thickness needed in my shop.

Thanks

[Woodworking Plus]

Hi Larry
I buy most of my lumber as 4/4 rough and do my own processing (resaw,joint and plane) Some species I will buy in 8/4 or 12/4 (walnut, maple, cherry) if I want to get either 1/4 sawn or flat sawn grain from the same board..

[cpowell]

Well, that is interesting and sort of answers an unasked question I have had. I wondered why the Woodcraft showroom always had mostly large blocks (4x4 or bigger) of the better woods. I knew that it would have to be resawn but didn't understand why. Now I do. Thanks!

[Rolf]

You can get away with thinner woods on the inner parts to some degree by using shims under the pieces, but it is a lot easier to start with thicker woods and thin down. If I can I do what Mike does.
CP Most of the exotic 4x4 blocks you are directed more to the turners not us scrollers.

[Bill Wilson]

Those 4X4 blocks may also be turning blanks for on a lathe.

[Jim Finn]

I also get rough wood in varying thicknesses. I machine them to 3/8" for intarsia.

[Hawaiilad]

Thanks folks

[Jan]

I'm one who doesn't have the capability to resaw. I usually get 4/4 lumber and plane it if I want it a bit thinner. I like having some depth to my projects, so I don't mind doing a lot of shaping to get the result I want. I occasionally get 2/4 lumber if I know the wood will be used in a section of a project that will be thinner than that.

Jan

[Janette]

I usually get 7/8 to 15/16" thick. If I want something thinner, I'll cut out the shape roughly then use the bandsaw to thin it down a bit before cutting out the individual piece. It's easier to make it thinner than it is to make it thicker.

[Hawaiilad]

Starting with the thicker wood might be better for me since I'm out here in the middle of the ocean. There is a lumber yard here that orders from the main land all types of lumber, but it is all at least 2" thick. So thicker might just be best.

Thanks again

[Janette]

You may want to talk to them and ask them to order certain types and thicknesses for you when they place their next order. Most lumber stores here can order what they want and are usually happy to accomodate your request if their supplier carries it.