wood sizes

[Rich Stewart]

Could somebody please explain to me what is meant by 4/4, 8/4, 12/4 and the like when talking about wood. I keep seeing it but not sure what it means to a turner.

Thank you.

Rich

[tod evans]

rich, the fractions are refrencing the 1/4 of an inch.....8/4=2inches, 12/4=3inches etc.......02 tod

[Jim Becker]

This refers to the rough thickness of the material off the mill. 4/4 is nominally 1 inch...typically a little over that to allow for shrinkage during the drying process. 8/4 is nominally two inches, etc. 4/4 material once milled is typically 3/4" thick, but could be 13/16, 7/8 or whatever you choose to make it within your ability to thickness it straight, true and flat from rough.

[Rich Stewart]

Thanks fellas. I got it now. Now while I got your attention, what is a board foot? Obviously it is a foot of a board but how thick and how wide? 12 square inches? Maybe some examples would help me to understand. Curious because I came upon a site for exotic wood and it sells everything in BF.

Thanks again.

Rich

[Mike Burkeen]

1 board foot is 12 inches by 12 inches by 1 inch thick
OR
1 board foot is 24 inches by 6 inches by 1 inch thick
OR
1 board foot is 48 inches by 3 inches by 1 inch thick
OR
144 square inches in a board foot

Hopefully this dont just confuse you more.

[tod evans]

144 cubic inches in a board foot.....02 tod

[Mark Rios]

1 board foot is 12 inches by 12 inches by 1 inch thick
OR
1 board foot is 24 inches by 6 inches by 1 inch thick
OR
1 board foot is 48 inches by 3 inches by 1 inch thick
OR
144 square inches in a board foot

Hopefully this dont just confuse you more.


Mike, Don't you mean 144 CUBIC inches in a board foot?