Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: Flatten both sides of slab?

  1. #1

    Flatten both sides of slab?

    I’m building a pool table that will have a live edge apron, about 8 inches wide and close to full 8/4 thickness. I’ve flattened the outward facing side of each piece and have jointed a flat edge opposite the live edge 90 degrees to the flat face. I started to get the planer ready to flatten the non outward facing faces but then it occurred to me that maybe there is no need since these faces will never be visible and I’m using T Nuts for the joinery. Is there any reason I need to flatten that other side? If it matters this is birch from a tree I cut down last year and had the 8/4 slabs all kiln dried. Thanks for any ideas

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2019
    Location
    The old pueblo in el norte.
    Posts
    1,846
    If it's flat enough for the joinery, it's flat enough. I don't even bother to do anything other than the minimal dimensioning needed on non-show sides anymore. Pretty much the same as pre-industrialized work.
    ~mike

    happy in my mud hut

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Atlanta
    Posts
    1,592
    I would.

    There’s a school of thought that you need to surface both sides equally (or at least close) in order to keep it from warping in the future.

    Same with sanding and finish.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Location
    Northern Illinois
    Posts
    943
    Whether to flatten in the "inside" would depend on how flat the boards are to start with. There is a lot of variation in how slabs are sold. Personally I'd plane the backside if you have outward facing side already flat. It might not need to be perfectly flat, but I wouldn't want to use a piece that isn't at least very close to being flat. Howeve, I'm kind of a perfectionist.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    SE PA - Central Bucks County
    Posts
    65,688
    Personally, I'd flatten the back/underside as it's a lot easier to work with material that's all the same thickness and it's also a positive thing for consistent wood movement over time. There's no need to get crazy and make it look as "perfect" as the money-side, but doing the deed is important. Dave also brings up an important point. In general it's a best practice to mill off the same amount from both sides of the material to reduce the risk for uneven movement caused by moisture content imbalance.
    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •