How Long Should I Wait?

[Glenn Samuels]

I purchased some kiln dried African mahogany 10 days ago. The wood is 16/4 and I ripped it to 1 1/4" yesterday. How long should I wait for it to become stable before running it through the jointer and planer?

[Phil Thien]

Has it moved since you ripped it?

[Glenn Samuels]

When cutting the wood with the bandsaw, I may have wavered just a bit. So I would say that if it has moved, it has moved very little. If it is going to move, would it have moved in the first few hours or can it move for days?

[Phil Thien]

Stress locked in the grain of the wood moves immediately upon cutting.

Moisture imbalances tend to start moving within a few hours, and may continue to move for some time, depending on how the wood was dried.

Given the amount of time you've waited, I think you're probably fine.

I'd suggest jointing one side, and then watching it for a day or two to make sure it stays straight and true. If it does, you're home-free.

The reason I suggest jointing one side is that it is easier to check a straight/true surface to see if there has been any movement.

[Glenn Samuels]

Thank you Phil for your excellent advice.

Glenn