Question on table top glue ups.

[lcm1947]

Do you suppose I'd need a jointer to do this project or would the precut stuff from Lowes or HD ( which is where I'd get the boards ) be exact enough for jointing the top up?

[drumpriest]

The lowes and HD lumber is not ready for glue up. They are hardly ever straight. You need to joint the boards. Having said that, you don't necessarily need a jointer. You can joint them with a pattern or flush trim bit, a hand held router, and a straight guide.

For large glue-ups, this is how I do it, as I don't like dealing with really long stock on my jointer. I bought a 5$ MDF shelf from HD, and use the back of it as my straight edge. I've glued up a couple of desk tops this way, and it works great. Just pick lumber that isn't cupped or twisted.

I would seriously suggest that you find a better place to get lumber though, stroll through your phone book, find a lumber yard. You'll pay A LOT less than at HD or Lowes.

[niki]

I will second Keith

I don’t have a jointer and I do all the glue lines with hand router and straight edge.

I did try on the router table with split fence but the results were bad. You need a long fence and if the wood edge is curved, the curve will repeat itself.

With the straight edge the wood cannot “run” anywhere, every cut is 100% success, (unless the straight edge is not straight).

Soon I’m going to post (with pics) how I'm doing it and the special blocks that I made to locate and clamp the fence in seconds

niki

[lcm1947]

Hey Niki, not trying to rush you as I know you probably don't have anymore time then the rest of us but I for one will be waiting cause I will probably have to use a router to do it too and I haven't a clue how to start. I was thinking you just trimmed off maybe like an 1/8" and there you'd have it. Sounds like that wouldn't work and now that I'm thinking about it I guess a curved piece would still be curved. Hmmm? how is that done then? I'll be checking this post daily but if you don't get around to it don't worry about it. I'll try the "search" to see what I can find also.

[niki]

Icm 1947

It’s easier and simpler than you think.

I said that if you make it on the Router Table, the wood will follow the curve, with straight edge and hand held router there is no such a problem.

Just for you, I will try to post it tomorrow at your morning (that is noon here in Poland), in this forum (Project related…).

BTW, 1/8” is too much for one pass and not necessary in most cases, I use 1/64~1/32” for each pass.

Rgards
niki

[lcm1947]

Thanks Niki I appreciate it but like I said take your time. I know you got a life too. So Poland? A lot of history there. Cool!

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Why not just buy better milled wood?

You are in Austin TX and there are many fine hardwood dealers in your area. One I have heard a few folks mention is Austin Hardwoods. Not only will you pay much less, your stock will be dimisioned to your requested thickness, width and will be flat and square. I think that for you buying at HD or Lowes just makes no sense.

[lcm1947]

Hmmm. I never have shopped anywhere else before mainly cause Lowe's & HD are so close and the other reason is the one time I did stop by a lumber yard they were so busy I finally just left. If you are that sure that the same lumber is cheaper and I could get it exactly in the dimensions that I'd need and squarer and straighter then I too am confused why I'd be shopping at the box stores. Thank you for getting my attention. I'll check it out.