Finding Perfect Lumber?

[imafreak]

Question to all the other DIY stand builders out there. How perfect is the wood you're buying for the frame of your stand?

I looked through the 2x4 pile at Lowes and picked the best ones they had, however after putting together the top frame (based on this stand design http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302232 ) it's not perfectly level.

I double checked all my measurements when cutting and used a rafter square to help make straight cuts with the saw. Any other tips on getting this put together perfectly?

Thanks!

 

[the_deeb]

Unfortunately the lumber at HD/Lowes is usually pretty crappy. You'll have better luck at a lumberyard. If you're lucky they they can run pieces through a planer to get them perfect. That being said, a lot of people (myself included) have successfully built stands with imperfect lumber from HD/Lowes. Just use a hand plane or sand down the top to get it level and use some foam mat to compensate for minor imperfections.

 

[Pharaoh]

I've never had perfect lumber. I try to pick out the best I see with minimum warping. Straight cuts and a little patience and your stand will be just fine.

 

[flamenco-t]

2x6's are usually a little bit more straight and have less warpage than 2x4. Just spend a few extra bucks and you'll have an overbuilt with little to worry.

 

[yogurt_21]

dig through the pile to find the straightest they have, then be accurate on the measurments and if you have to sand anything that's out of place.

for the most part that worked for me, though tools matter as well, miter saw over circular saw, using chalk lines for all longer cuts rather than trying to use a straight edge and pencil, and etc. Also as always never getting caught up in the grain of the wood, when I first started workign with wood I used to have that issue and would cut perfectly with the grain, only to notice that the manufactured edge was not. So measurements over grain use as well.

 

[soulpatch]

I used the premium wall studs from HD and found them to be a lot truer then the regular 2x4 lumber. Saved me a buch of headaches. That said though there will still be some warpage since it is an organic material we are using.... I found that none of it was enough to alter my stand construction in any way though...

 

[CA-Delta]

With lumber you get what you pay for. HD/Lowes generally carry #2 or "stud" grade dimensional lumber. It was never intended that these grades of lumber be used to construct furniture. The best compromise is to use Kiln dried or S4S (sanded four sides) lumber. If you can't find it in Doug Fir try looking for appearance/ #1 Redwood.

 

[beex215]

even my first time buying i looked carefully and took for ever rummaging through the pile. im a dr in the lumber field. i suggest you pick straight ones

 

[BadOleRoss]

Unless you have a lumber yard near you that is cutting their own lumber, they are getting it from the same place that Lowe's and HD do. As far as grades, Lowe's carries 2x4s in several different grades including select and stud grade lumber. Look for lumber that has recently had the bands cut and is still stacked tightly and not piled. That will give you the best lumber. Another trick is to not let the lumber sit around for several days while you get ready to use it. Get it locked into place so it doesn't have a chance to turn.

 

[Clay]

With lumber you get what you pay for. HD/Lowes generally carry #2 or "stud" grade dimensional lumber. It was never intended that these grades of lumber be used to construct furniture. The best compromise is to use Kiln dried or S4S (sanded four sides) lumber. If you can't find it in Doug Fir try looking for appearance/ #1 Redwood.

Agreed. The best lumber you'll find at HD/Lowes is kiln dried IME.