I often purchase some pieces of lumbar from my local blue or orange store. When I'm planning a project I like to buy the lumber soon after the planning is complete because the project details are fresh in my mind. I often do not get time to work on the project that day or within a few days though. I live in AZ, down in the valley, so it's very very hot and dry. I find that straight lumber at the store soon turns to warped, not so flat lumber in my garage.
Are there any good ways of keeping lumber as flat as when you buy it? I hate getting excited about a nice piece of hardwood and then finding it is warped and bowed when I go to use it.
At the very least I would love to find a good way to straighten lumber. I'm a beginner, so any idea that works is a good idea to me!
Oh, yes, and this is my first post to Sawmill Creek! I've already read a lot of good information on this site, I look forward to many more readings and, when I'm more experienced in the woodworking trade, I hope to contribute as often as I benefit from the site.