buying wood (cherry)

[jaq]

Hello all, This uneducated fella needs some advice.

I am going to make a jewelry box for my daughter and it is mostly 1/2" thick. Where I live the temperature difference, in my shop, night to day is about 15 degrees. I can't keep it heated 24/7. There is a local supplier of all types of wood so the temperature and moisture content of the wood will be close to the same. I plan to resaw and plane to the desired dimension's so would you buy 4/4, 5/4, 6/4.etc: (x 6"). I am trying to keep it from cupping or bowing or any of the other bad things that happen.

All suggestions and experience appreciated!

thanks, jaq

[Leon]

The temp difference in you shop should not make that much of a difference.

That said, resawing and opening up inner sections of wood tend to have a more dramatic effect if the wood does not have the same inner moisture content as the outer sides. I suggest buying at least 5/4 to end up with 2

1/2" thick pieces maybe 6/4 if you are less efficient.

Resaw the pieces and let them set for a few days to acclimate. Then plane "BOTH" sides equally to almost final thickness, set a few days to acclimate and then a final thickness surfacing from both sides.

With any wood it is best to plane both sides equally so that the moisture content remains consistent on each side.