Band Saw Lumber Part 2 -- Reading the Grain

[@russhagan861]

I feel like I'm 10 years old watching Saturday PBS woodworking shows when I watch this guy. So informative and well done.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@BenM81]

This is the greatest woodworking channel on the internet. Thank you sir for sharing your lifelong knowledge with us. God bless you.

[@skigglystars9525]

I could not have said that better. You are 100% correct.

[@JimPudar]

This could 100% be on television! Fantastic channel for sure.

[@ericki.guzman5251]

X2

[@WorkshopCompanion]

You guys....(This is where I drag my toe in the dirt and try to look humble.) Thanks for the kind words.

[@NMranchhand]

Oh, Amen! I have told him so on other vids, but I can’t help chiming in to back you up. He’s not only a top flight woodworker, but absolutely the most organized, illustrative, and thorough instructor of woodworking on the internet bar none. Literally (that is: in the Oxford English definition of, “literally”, prior to the American generation, X, Y, Z re-defining of the word to mean, “figuratively”).

[@benjhind]

I personally think that there is something profound about being able to look at a finished project and remembering felling the tree and all of the steps that followed. Great video.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@Brian-tb1zs]

Finally somebody on KZbin that really knows what they doing and able to clearly teach the how and why ! Thank you !

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@budwoodman1716]

I love that twisted & warped board you show. Kind of reminds me of some lumber I see at Home Depot.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

It's an old, old piece of cherry that I took from a pile of freshly-sawn wood that I air-dried sometime around 1990. The wood was green, I was just gearing up to write my book, "Wood and Woodworking Materials," and I wondered what would happen if I let a board dry independent of the stack, with no pressure to keep it flat. So I plucked it out and set it in a corner of my shop. That was the result. Fantastic lesson, great photo/video prop.

[@woodworkingandepoxy643]

​@@WorkshopCompanionI posted a comment not long ago that you reminded me a lot of my dad and the times he had me in the shop growing up and i just realized he bought and showed me some of your books. I was 6 in 1990 and remember being about 10 he got your book you mentioned above and showed it to me. We built something that was shown in another of your books when I was 14ish. Absolutely amazing

[@WorkshopCompanion]

@@woodworkingandepoxy643 Amazing that I'm still here...;-)

[@woodworkingandepoxy643]

@@WorkshopCompanion right? I'm glad you are! Your knowledge is reaching so many people that just don't read books anymore and I'm here for all of it

[@sammylacks4937]

You should see the green table in a production sawmill. We had a curve saw gang that the saws , double arbor each capible 6 " and guides twisted to follow grain in bowed logs. The theory was cutting lumber like this , then with stacks weighted flat in kiln would produce straight nontwisted dried lumber. ????

[@MatthewHolevinski]

And an emphatic "Hell Yes" to this video.

[@d1pete88]

How did it take so long for me to find this channel. This is a real gem. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your humor.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@soldier4christ172]

I feel the EXACT same. This gentleman is wonderful.

[@changgames4637]

There's not a woodworking youtuber I enjoy watching more than you, fantistic workmanship on the project and the video too! Keep it up sir.

[@kencoleman7762]

"Not too shabby" indeed! It is a pleasure to watch you work and you provide a wide ranging education. Thanks.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@yingle6027]

I will never look at a joinery piece the same after seeing all the hard work and precision that goes into making something like this. Beautiful craft.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@michaelfarmer537]

This is like watching the Bob Ross of woodworking. I have extreme respect for this craftsman and dream of someday being able to retire and spend time in my own workshop creating mission style pieces of furniture for my family. ❤🇺🇸☺️

[@scottcountryman6090]

Your way of speaking and teaching is extremely calming and fatherly. It makes me want to give you a hug. Thanks for creating content. If I’m ever in Ohio I’m going to look you up.

[@uwebeykuefner6608]

This is the most amazing and profound wood work, with short, precise explanations and solutions! You are a great inspiration and motivation, sir!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Kind words, thanks for saying. We try.

[@derekpeace7668]

You could very well have the single best channel on KZbin . Thank you for everything you do for us!

[@dogwoodwoodcraft]

Far better than we deserve. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. No other channel on YT woodworker comes close to your insight and considerations into the materials your working with. And bonus points for the counter surfing Collie

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Bella is...well, we're not quite sure what Bella is. The folks who whelped her assured me she was a border collie, but I've had many border collies over the years and she doesn't fit the mold. Our Australian viewers suggested she might be a kelpie, and that seems closer. But my best guess at this point is that she's a McNab Sheperd (who, like border collies and kelpies, are descended from Scottish herding dogs). Whatever she is, she's a delight. Affectionate, smart as a whip, and enjoys mugging for the camera as much as I do.

[@dogwoodwoodcraft]

@@WorkshopCompanion I'll throw another guess in the mix then. She's the spitting image of my own Border Collie x Welsh collie cross, Dingo. Down to colour and marking pattern

[@woodshopnerdery]

Been looking forward to this one, and boy did you deliver. You've topped yourself once again. I had to go back and re-watch the explanation of why you pegged and glued the front pin of the bread board top rather than the middle pin. You explained it very well, but it is an advanced topic I simply didn't get it on the first pass. Your ability to execute and explain that sort if advanced skill really sets this channel well apart. Congratulations on a fantastic video.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying. This really was an effort -- there was so much info to boil down.

[@woodshopnerdery]

@@WorkshopCompanion I can imagine, my last project took me 11 videos to cover. Unfortunately, I don't have the time or talent to craft a single watchable video such as you and Travis pull off.

[@kudnabeefhooked5285]

Thank you so much for adding the metric measurements as well as imperial. Makes it so much easier for those of us that grew up with metric only.

[@Ragnar00294]

By far one of, if not the best educational channel about woodworking, as an apprentice in carpentry, I thank you for all that knowledge :)

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@eastcoast8435]

I wish I could be this guy's understudy. So much knowledge gathered. My father in law passed recently and left me a completely decked out shop. I've always been interested in woodworking but never had the space or tools, and now I'm like a sad kid in a candy shop, wishing he'd spent more time learning with the old man.

[@johndameron9167]

Mr Engler, I'm a retired CAD engineer who has began an after career in woodworking some hand some CNC. You are the greatest thing since sliced Eric Sloan. Thanks!

[@KOutOfMyYard]

Every. Single. Time. You are the true north of woodworking videos

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@joewehner9837]

Hell yes is right! Taking a log and turning into that chest is something to be truly proud of!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@IvanGOrtolan]

So much obvious information that 90% of woodworkers do not even think about, this video is a comprehensive masterpiece on wood working.

[@gabereiser]

I wish I had half the confidence and knowledge of this man. This guy is a pro to pros. A master. A grandmaster. The DM of woodworking.

[@kakaomen4o]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your craftsmanship. Greetings from Bulgaria.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome from Ohio.

[@usernamepending332]

I’m about to start milling my own lumber from trees on my property, and this series was a huge help to me. Thank you!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Glad to be of help.

[@michaelsorensen7567]

What species are you milling, and what is your plan with it?

[@skigglystars9525]

A great teacher makes learning fun

[@bradleytuckwell4881]

If you want great advice,tips and tricks on woodworking you are definitely the right man for the job

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks 👍

[@MMWoodworking]

As a fellow OH woodworker who just milled a neighbor's felled tree this summer, it is fun watching this.

[@trainerpreben]

Hey there! Just wanted to drop in and say that your video was like a breath of fresh air in a world where explanations can sometimes be as clear as mud. The way you blend graphics with real-life examples is nothing short of wizardry. Your approach not only makes learning a joyride but also sticks the information in my brain like gum on a hot sidewalk. Keep up the fantastic work - your videos are a goldmine for curious minds. Cheers!

[@jimwalker5412]

I worked in the UK as a painter and decorator from age 15 to 70 I decided early on that for me the best way forward was always to aim to do the best job possible and teach apprentices to do the same, I loved working with my hands, Sir, your video's are excellent.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

My philosophy to a "T," whatever a "T" might be. Thanks for the kind words.

[@cyberwolf6667]

I watch this video from the first eating for this one to come out last year. Today I’m in my garage band sawing cherry and I took a break and this video is back on. I think it’s worth the effort, as long as you have the time and your wife gets something pretty out of it!!

[@s_c_r_e_w_b_a_l_l]

Just wanted to say as a new and amateur woodworker looking to learn, I have thoroughly enjoyed every video you'd produced. Thank you and please continue the great work.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

That's the plan...most welcome.

[@charliereina7933]

This one video packs in a full woodworking course - not only the whats and hows, but the whys, of every operation along the way. So, thank you. And gosh darn it, you ought to write a book.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for you kind words. But no more books; I've done my time.

[@Dcreed76]

So happy to see you back on with new stuff!

[@springcreekfarmer]

Thank you for explaining everything so well. Your focus on grain selection and design, and proper order of operations helps me as an intermediate level woodworker. I appreciate you.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

And we appreciate your kind words.

[@fride3150]

If I would really(!) study everything you explain in this single video, I would need to watch again and again, with years of practice and experience in-between, coming back every now and then to see if I'm finally on this level. Nowhere to find are videos as rich, instructive and passionate about the craft as yours. Thank you, with kind regards from the metric realm!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome, and thank you for the kind words.

[@hdw5831]

Fantastic video! Very educational and high-quality craftsmanship! I think I can tell that a lot of time, care, knowledge and preparation went into this video. You also present it wonderfully. You would say you are a teacher. This is one of the best video channels I know in this area. Thank you so much!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome...and thanks or the kind words.

[@frankhill9527]

Thanks for another awesome how to video. It is nice to see someone who still teaches something on KZbin.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@agildodias2336]

I was really impressed with the quality of information on this channel. Congratulations and thank you very much.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@josephvanderlinde6494]

Nick, so grateful for your wisdom and generosity sharing it with us on the internet

[@relentlessmadman]

I love this channel, explaining what you do is so im portant to learning ! Lately I have to sort thru wood working vid's to eliminate the ones posted THAT just want me to watch while they run expensive wood thru their high dollar shop equiptment, while listening to their favorite music over and over and over! THANK YOU!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome. When I began writing books and articles (back in the days when we had to read to get information), my publisher (Rodale) asked us to put together a shop with equipment that might be found in the garage of a serious amateur craftsman -- no high-dollar commercial stuff. I thought that was an excellent idea, and I have stuck to it ever since. It makes the information we generate useful to a much wider audience.

[@bwhite661]

I would say hell yes as well! I would also say that there is a huge satisfaction in creating something that you milled yourself. Another excellent video overall and valuable explanation of how to deal with and account for wood movement.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@lynxg4641]

Very glad you did do the follow up of using that beautiful Walnut to make that astounding box, might have to give one a go myself and definitely need to find me some "firewood" and harvest some lumber myself.

[@charlesjohnson1698]

In a time when wood working channels are increasing dominated by tool evaluations, merchandising, and "how to grow your business" (all of which have their important place), a video such as this one reaffirms why I went back to wood working when I retired. Your depth of knowledge is clearly evident, and your engaging style is unmatched on KZbin. Moreover, this is not just a "build something", but a view of your own vision for a pile of wood. This isn't a "go and build this", but rather one, detailed approach to building a box (how many different boxes are there? Well, how many different woodworkers are there?), and the reason for the decisions for "why I made this", and "not that."

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Nicely put. Thanks for spending the time to write up that kind analysis.

[@kevinr1704]

It's hard to believe it's been a year already. As always, a beautiful piece and very informative video. Thank you for sharing it with us!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@erikleorga]

Has it really been a year since that video? Wow! Also, you are a master at explaining. You keep my attention the whole time. Thank you!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@Parabola001]

This might be the best channel on all of youtube. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the world!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@mikevyvyan7060]

Brilliant! Thank you Nick for an extremely informative and helpful step-by-step video. I will be watching this again to ensure that I haven't missed any of your words of wisdom or practical instruction. I love the clarity, passion and detail of your videos especially in this one! They are addictive!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Kind words, thank you.

[@John-ye4nv]

This is my favorite woodworking channel. Great information, well presented and extremely informative. Thank you.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@stevebettany8778]

Don’t know what to say I’m just blown away you are an amazing teacher so much real knowledge in that head of yours. Thank you for sharing some of it.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@icecreamtruckog3667]

You are a true master. Sandpaper on the work table while sanding is genius.

[@rafikbarseghian912]

This is Rafik Barseghian from LA .even for my limited English this is the best way to explain. Thank you 👍.

[@didndido3638]

Incredible transformation! Seasoned skills on display to behold! I have to watch the video again now.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@FiddleSticks800]

What an amazing wealth of knowledge in these videos. Thanks for taking the time to put them together.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@soldier4christ172]

Thank you for taking us along the journey ive tried this a time before with no positive results with oak. Ended up losing much of the material. Thank you for sharing so many crucial steps. This next attempt we should have some success 🎉

[@tahoeturner]

Nice discussion on the importance of using dry, stabilized wood. 👍

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@c.a.g.1977]

These videos are just such a treat! Entertaining and educational!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@martinbankjorgensen]

You are AMAZING! Not only as a craftsman but as a teacher as well.. I watched your video where you saw the wood and actually have tought about this video since. FINALLY you made it and was all the waiting time worth it ♥

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@myfinalheaven9590]

This is awesome. Great method and approach to teaching how to build, techniques to use during the build process, and the nature of the wood itself.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@heatbill1261]

Thank you again for sharing your expertise. What you do, how you do it and why you do it. Clear and precise.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@dabeamer42]

This is the best explanation of how (and why) to dry wood that I have ever come across. Thanks!

[@chrisouellet2832]

you sir, are a woodcraft Jedi! thank you for the technical details on how to wrap and let wood dry!

[@Matesson]

Thank you sir for sharing this experience with us! I'm not sure if I ever get to use some of the many things you taught us in those 2 videos, but the feeling of knowing a bit more and watching that beautiful chest getting build is a great start into the weekend, thank you!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome, and thanks for the kind words.

[@adesignhouse]

Tons of work in woodworking. It best fits as just a hobby. Nice cupped board you got there

[@gpvaneron1584]

The board layout diagram is simple and genius. Thanks for the idea!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@savoielvis1]

Nooo way....this is the video i ve been waiting for more then a year......suuuuuper!!!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@zvotaisvfi8678]

Brilliant ! Nasa, take note !

[@selianboy8508]

quite stunning work as usual... the King is live... long live the King!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most days, I feel more like the jester. Thanks.

[@selianboy8508]

@@WorkshopCompanion True Kings jest only on themselves and have shop dogs to prove it... deaf ones perhaps but none the less happy ones!

[@AverysMan1105]

I have to say that you are an encyclopedia of wood.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Not really. But I did write one.

[@davidaldrich3488]

Love your Shopsmith planer. I have a Shopsmith with every attachment they ever made…. Dated to mid 80’s. Used it just last week to make some trays for a couple of jigsaw puzzles

[@Iona_Roe_Deer]

17:04 I thought lid on the original box just got extended. 😮

[@bri3268]

Went back and checked out the original video, before I had subscribed. Like Ben M said, this is the greates woodworking channel on the internet.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@ehRalph]

Extremely well done. Thanks for putting all the time and care into making this episode. I heat my shop with firewood and often end up milling boards (too good to burn). But your detailed instructions on building the box are fantastic. I have a large oversized oak chest that I’ve wanted to modify for a couple years because it’s too deep to be functionally useful. Adding a drawer below, a new base, and maybe some fancy dovetail edges may be just the ticket.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Glad to be of some help.

[@magcolor]

Many thanks for the high-quality and informative film. I wish you good luck and prosperity to your workshop!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@halfabee]

A lot of information in this video. Thank you.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@geoffbrumpton8544]

Very nice, I very rarely buy new timber for my wood working, yes most of it would normally been fire wood.

[@jackgatlin6852]

I loved both of these video sessions. I have always wanted to mill my own lumber, but never really knew what to do. Thanks to you I now know. As a word of caution, please remind your viewers to always add acid to water when diluting the acid to a usable concentration. If the reverse is done, the acid will splatter and may damage either the skin or eyes.

[@harleywood9588]

Heck yes. I truly enjoyed this episode

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@jamesphillips7150]

Nick you're awesome! Thanks for being you

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Do I have a choice? Most welcome!

[@brettroux4691]

The information no wait your knowledge that you share is priceless....I am wiser for your share of it.....Thank you kindly.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@michaelsorensen7567]

7:34 one tip for more continuous grain wraparound is to have both sides and back from the same board, resawn in half. You can get the left side and the back from the back half of the board, and the front and the right side from the front half of the board. You do need to start with a board a bit longer than your front/back + 1 side. Then, make sure you resaw before cutting to the finished part length. That way, you can get the left side from the left end and the right side from the right end. I'll try and diagram with text ___|_______ _______|___ In this case the ends are 3 units and the front/back are seven units. If you keep the cut boards in the same orientation they were before you cut them apart, and just "inflate" it into a box shape, you get near perfect grain continuance all the way around!

[@bobwebberkc]

OK nick now I have reached my quota on new things to learn! Thank you!

[@chrissscottt]

Very impressive attention to detail and knowledge. I suspect this man judges shows.

[@Silversmith925]

Watched part one and part 2 on Christmas morning @ 3:30 AM 2024. I think I just discovered one of Santas Helper's workshops. Lots of great information, fun and interesting to watch and a great addition to my subscription list. Thanks for the wonderful videos and have a Merry Christmas 🎄

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Same to you.

[@davidpennington4477]

Great small project. Keep them coming

[@jbrickey]

Excellent as always. I love watching your videos, they inspire me in the craft.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@aidenchristiansen2680]

I work at a woodshop and I would love to try out some of the tricks you have! Thanks for sharing!

[@wesleymorris9990]

Cool to know you're in Ohio. I'm in Dayton. If you're ever nearby, I'd be happy to buy you a coffèe. Great channel and I'll be making your sled that works with the blade guard. Keep up the good work.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@johntiefel4248]

THANKS for all the information, I always look forward to you videos.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@audioman99]

Wow. That was quite a transformation! Thanks

[@garrettswoodworx1873]

Excellent video NIck! Hard to believe it has been a year already. Thanks for sharing your incredible skills with us.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@jts8651]

Outstanding! Please don’t stop!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Have to when I run out of wood -- it was just one little log...;-)

[@djmini2numpty141]

Happy New year from down under, good to have you back . Frank

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Same to you.

[@edm00se]

You really squeezed a lot into this one. Cheers!

[@timofeyzhukov-khovanskiy9173]

I think I picked up at least 3 techniques for general use from this video. And it's a great project on it's own.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Only three? I must be falling down on my job. But thanks for saying.

[@timofeyzhukov-khovanskiy9173]

@@WorkshopCompanion Well, I may be falling down on my job as a student as well. How about I give it another watch and count.

[@timofeyzhukov-khovanskiy9173]

@@WorkshopCompanion I watched the video again and learned 7 new things I can see myself using. It has countless other things I know in the back of my head and I'm sure some I have missed. I've been drying my own wood for a few years now and recently started turning from stuff we have around too.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

@@timofeyzhukov-khovanskiy9173 Thanks for your time and support.

[@terryharris3393]

Nice video! Lovely design and execution. Brings back memories when I used to make jewelry and valet boxes. I would take a doubly wide board and re-saw and plane. Then turn the board so the inside surfaces of the re-sawn board are now on the out side and proceed as you did to make the case with EXACT grain matching at each corner. Imagine a zebra wood box with that property. Please check out the claims made at 16:50 where you say a plainsawn board can change from an average 8% to 11% in width due to changes in relative humidity (.96” for a 12” wide board). This may be true when going from green (~30% EMC) to oven dry moisture content but not for seasonal moisture changes. In addition, you explain the location of the front lid trim molding as needing a 1/16” clearance to allow for shrinkage of the lid if construction was performed in the summer, since humidity is higher in the summer. The 1/16” clearance you recommend seems right when calculating the seasonal change of 2% EMC using Table 13-5 and formula 13-2 in ‘General Technical Report FPL-GTR=190, Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material, April 2010’, which for walnut would require a 1/32”. However, Table 13-1 of that same documents indicates that EMC is lowest in May-June and highest in December-January in outdoor Ohio, which would require the clearance if the chest was built in the winter not in the summer. This reverses your statement at 21:10. As you state, “… the lid expands and contracts with changes in RELATIVE HUMIDITY”. You go on to say, “It’s the dead of winter in this part of Ohio and the humidity is as low as its going to get”. Both true, but the RELATIVES HUMIDITY is the highest it’s going to get. Now if a home or shop is heated with electricity this may reduce the relative humidity but if heated with gas the opposite may be true and humidifiers may be present too. This only compounds the issue of movement clearances so I use a rule of thumb where I assume a 5% moisture change and adopt a dimensional change coefficient for plain sawn lumber of .004 (worst case). This yields a 1.5% change in width and .7% in thickness. At a minimum, I double that change and target the center of the pinning of the joint so that the project can survive both swelling and shrinkage. Allowing for even more movement in joinery without compromising other considerations may be wise.

[@dennishall9260]

I can't believe it's been a year! BEAUTIFUL firewood!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Yep. Travis and I both considered we lucked out. We kept the materials to the single bolt I bucked up, as promised. There was just enough for the chest, and what there was was gorgeous.

[@BobBlarneystone]

When resawing short boards or for veneer, attach the stock to a longer backer board such as MDF. This is safer for resawing and when making veneer then you can run the stock through the planer to clean up the surface for the next slice of veneer. Be extremely careful when handling nitric acid. As mentioned in the video, wear the correct protective equipment, especially eye/face protection and the correct gloves for the substance. In this case it's butyl rubber - do NOT wear latex or nitrile gloves. Always pour acid into water, never water into acid.

[@bluesfool1]

Wow, amazing job. I’m so happy to see you on KZbin now. I have some of your books from way back. Best videos I’ve seen in a long time.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.