A friend wants a solid 12"deep x 5" high x 8' long solid Red Oak mantel to go across a stone fireplace.
He doesn't want it rough sawn, but also doesn't want it like it came out of a planer.
I guess he wants it smooth but with some relief. I'm not sure what the process would be. My thoughts would be to start with a rough sawn piece and sand it with and angle grinder , eventually sanding it smooth , to touch.
Thanks for you insight and help.