Straightening out warped boards before you start cutting

Lately, I've been getting a lot of twisted lumber from the local supply yard. It used to be rare, but now it's common. Here's what I do. I take the board and lay it on my shop floor. Then I place some heavy concrete blocks on the high spots. I leave it like that for a full day. This usually pulls it back straight enough to use. It saves me a trip back to the store and keeps the project moving. A basic fix, but it does the job every time.

4 comments

4 Comments

jessica1302mo ago

Tbh, when you said your backyard sees more board straightening than your shop, I was shocked. That just sounds like a huge mess with boards and blocks everywhere. Honestly, leaving wood outside like that seems asking for trouble with rain or pests. I'd be worried about the wood getting even more messed up from the humidity. Ngl, I could never do that in my yard, it would drive me crazy.

hill.margaret2mo ago

Oh wow, I totally get the worry about pests and rain. I mean, I just cover the pile with a tarp and it's been fine for me, kind of like @betty_kelly9 said. Maybe it's just me, but that little bit of effort saves a huge headache later.

betty_kelly92mo ago

My backyard sees more board straightening than my shop. I use cinder blocks and leave them for a day or two. It's saved me so many trips back to the store.

young.eric2mo ago

Honestly that sounds risky, leaving wood outside. What if it rains and they get more warped from the moisture? I've also had bugs get into lumber left on the ground. Plus it just looks messy having a bunch of blocks and boards in the yard all the time.