Hello from Ohio

[Kennungesser]

Hello everyone.

First I hope everyone had a great Christmas and is looking forward to a safe and fun New Years.

I am just dipping my toes into the fire known as wood working, or as it seem to happen more often than not in my case wood wasting. I have two slabs, one Red Oak (Going to be the top shelf) and one Ambrosia Maple that will be the main part of a desk. I have watched as many You Tube video's as I can and most have helped immensely. I have worked on my M240, built a few AR's, and generally fixed anything needed in my home, thanks to you tube. I have a background in electrical so this desk will have power, lights, and a built in automotive clock from an old BMW if I can find one. The vision in my head is amazing, but I am struggling to get that image to my hands and into the wood. I'll get there no doubt, as there is NO rush, and I do find it relaxing. I tend to work with no real "plan", so the the few things I have built ( California King bed, large bar behind the sofa, coffee table) tend to be one off and I couldn't make an identical one to save my life, lol. But this is my first foray into slabs. I tried to flatten the Red Oak with the router and rail method, but it started to get to thin. I can salvage it (I think) so no worries. I don't want to risk the maple slab, so tomorrow I am going to rip it into about 4 sections, and run through a planner, then rejoin. Unfortunately I do not have an joiner, nor can I just run out and buy one, so I'm going to hope for the best with sanding. I believe this should take out the twist, while keeping the thickness. Wish me luck!!

[crowie]

G'Day & Welcome to the Great Southern Land and to a top forum "Ken"......
There are quite a few members from across the USA and the rest of the world.....
You'll find a heap of helpful & knowledgeable blokes & ladies on the forum and for most very willing to assist.
Make sure you show off your handiwork as everyone loves a photo, especially WIP [Work In Progress] photos with build notes.
Enjoy the forum.
Enjoy your woodwork.....
Cheers from On Top DownUnder, crowie

PS - And Sir, Thank you for the Christmas & New Year greetings... New Years Eve already downunder....
Hoping you are keeping safe and warm in the cold North American winter....

ALSO: On you specific questions, start a new thread in say the "general woodworking section" to gain more views and thus answers/assistance, cheers!!

[verawood]

Welcome to the forum, with belated season's greetings.

[old1955]

Welcome to the forum.

[JJF]

Welcome aboard