drying wood help

[Chris Daigh]

I have some maple that I would like to cut into thin strips for bending. Obviously it is wet. Can I cut them around 3/16 to a quarter inch thick and then dry them or is this too thin and they would warp and twist.

[Tom Sontag]

They would warp and twist. Cut it 4/4 at a minimum.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Definately don't cut them less than 4/4. I did just what you are wanting to do and ruined a lot of wood.

[Chris Daigh]

Thanks for the help. I will cut them 4/4.

[Rob Russell]

Depending on the bend you're trying to achieve, I'd think that 3/16" isn't going to want to bend much even when steamed. There are folks who've done bending who may have some thoughts about that.

I'd cut the strips to a bit over what your final thickness will, allowing some extra thickness for planing to final dimension. Stack and sticker the strips. Weight that stack (concrete blocks are good, cheap, heavy weights). That should give you flat and straight strips.