Ripping timber

[johnfarris]

When I buy my timber in a sawn state I always try to buy as close to the finished size as possible. Machining the timber I take an even amount off both sides . I do this because I have read it prevents defects.

I visited a timber yard on Monday to buy some iroko and they only have the wider boards. Speaking to a yard hand he informs me that it is common practise to rip down the centre as sometimes it springs some time is does not.
I wonder how other people deal with this? I have factored in 30% wastage for the timber

John

 

[dzj]

I rip stock about 5-10% wider than the final dimensions. Depends how long they need be, really...
After ripping, I usually let them rest in stick about a week or 2 for softwood and twice that for harder varieties.
As for wastage, that depends upon the species. Long straight grained lumber has less waste than shorter hardwood species.
European Walnut, for example, can have sometimes 50% waste, if not more.