Flat, square, evenly thick lumber makes it easier to build flush joints and project parts that fit. WOOD Magazine’s six-step method takes boards from initial selection to stock ready for final length cuts, using a jointer, thickness planer and tablesaw.
What “perfect stock” means
For this woodworking method, stock is prepared lumber with a flat reference face, an opposite face parallel to it, a square edge and a consistent width. “Perfect” describes the aim of the workflow, not a guarantee that every board or machine will yield identical results.
The sequence below follows WOOD Magazine’s article, published December 4, 2020. Its original version appeared in the December 2003 issue, credited to Chuck Hedlund, WOOD Magazine Master Craftsman. WOOD Magazine: “6 steps to perfect stock” WOOD Magazine, December 2003, Issue 153
How the machines work together
| Tool | Role in the sequence |
|---|---|
| Jointer | Flattens one face, then squares one edge to the prepared faces. |
| Thickness planer | Makes the opposite face parallel to the jointed reference face. |
| Tablesaw | Rips the board close to final width before a light jointer pass cleans the sawn edge. |
Jointing both faces does not, by itself, follow this method for making them parallel. The planer’s job is to reference the flat face and bring the other face parallel to it.
#1 Best Overall
- ✅ PATENT PENDING - ROLL STOP FENCE WITH FLAT SPOT - woodworking tasks with a high-end wheel marking gauge, which will help you lay out lines parallel to a flat wood surface with max precision and indicate exactly where wood needs to be cut.
- ✅ MAKE LINE MARKS WITH PRECISION: The super clear, laser engraved graduation marks on the bar are available in both metric and imperial versions up to 6''/150mm, for convenience in your woodworking projects.
- ✅ INVEST IN A MONEY SAVER MARKING WHEEL KIT: The 2 extra hardened Steel wheel cutters included add great value to your order. Eliminate the chances of wavering lines and complete your tasks faster and easier.
- ✅ USE YOUR WOODWORKING SCRIBE FOR YEARS: The 8" long graduated tool is made of solid brass, Steel and aluminum alloy, corrosion-resistant. The non-marring brass face protects it from damage when not in use.
- ✅ ENJOY ONE-HANDED OPERATION: Fast and easy to use, this convenient marking gauge wheel will take all the fuss out of your woodworking cutting. Feeling perfectly balanced, our wood marking tool won’t strain your hand.
The six steps
1. Choose the best boards available
Inspect the edges for bowing and the faces for cupping. Rough-sawn and skip-planed lumber can both be used; skip-planed faces make it easier to see the wood’s underlying color. The goal is to choose the best available boards, not to insist that they are already perfectly straight.
2. Break the boards down into project parts
Remove staples before cutting. Crosscut at least 1/8 inch from each end to remove potentially gritty end grain, and trim farther back if an end is checked or discolored. Mark likely parts to avoid knots and other flaws, while considering how the grain will look in the finished project. A cardboard window can help preview a section of grain.
Rank #2
- PATENT PENDING - PRECISE & ACCURATE MARKINGS – Achieve flawless scribe lines every time with our wheel marking gauge, featuring a micro-adjustable fence and dual thumbscrews for fine-tuned measurements.
- 👍 ANTI-ROLL FENCE HEAD DESIGN – Stay organized with an innovative brass fence head featuring flat spots that prevent the tool from rolling off your workbench or workspace.
- 👍 METRIC & IMPERIAL RULER ENGRAVINGS – Conveniently measure in both metric and imperial units with the engraved graduated ruler—ideal for all woodworking projects.
- 👍 DURABLE BRASS & STEEL CONSTRUCTION – Built to last with a solid brass body, steel rod, and hardened steel cutters, ensuring reliable performance in any workshop. The rod features a V-shaped slot that prevents the fence and tail from wiggling or wobbling during use.
- 👍 COMPLETE WOODWORKING KIT – Includes 2 extra hardened steel wheel cutters and 2 extra bolts for replacements, plus retractable wheel cutter for safe upright storage.
Cut each piece a couple of inches longer than its planned final length, then rip it 1/4 inch wider than its planned final width. These allowances leave material for later surfacing and trimming, as recommended in the 2020 article.
3. Flatten one face on the jointer
Look at the grain to choose the feed direction most likely to limit tear-out. After the first pass, inspect the surface; if the grain is tearing, reverse the workpiece end for end and try the opposite direction. For a slight bow or cup, WOOD Magazine advises placing the concave face down. Use pushpads, and apply pressure at the ends when jointing bowed stock.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- Permanent Dual Laser Scale:Laser-etched inch & millimeter markings never wear off. 0–6in/150mm ultra-fine scale ensures fast, error-free measurements for all wood layout tasks.
- Solid CNC Aluminum Body:Rustproof, shock-resistant machined aluminum frame, lightweight yet rigid. Outperforms plastic thin-metal gauges for long-term workshop heavy use.
- Sharp Replaceable Stainless Steel Tip:Hardened steel cutter cuts clean, fuzzy-free lines on hardwood, plywood & MDF. Quick swap design extends tool service life.
- No Slip Lock & Flat Round Bas:Large textured knob locks rod tight without shifting. Wide circular base stays flush on lumber for perfectly parallel scribes every time.
- All-in-One Ready-to-Use Scribe Tool:Fully pre-assembled, compact for tool bag storage. Great for cabinetry, joinery, flooring & DIY woodworking, ideal gift for carpenters & hobbyists.
Take light cuts of about 1/32 inch and check the result on a flat surface. The goal is a flat reference face, not unnecessary material removal.
4. Plane the opposite face parallel
With the jointed face serving as the reference, run the board through a thickness planer to make the opposite face parallel. WOOD Magazine recommends removing no more than 1/32 inch from the thickest piece at a setting; inspect for tear-out and repeat with another light pass if needed.
Rank #4
- Micro-Adjustment for Accurate Joints Fine-threaded mechanism allows precise measurement setting and secure locking. Achieve consistent lines for well-fitted dovetails, mortise, and tenon joints, reducing gaps and misalignment.
- Dual Metric & Imperial Scales for Easy Reading Laser-etched stainless steel bar provides clear, durable metric (mm) and imperial (inch) scales. Skip the conversions and work directly from any plan with reliable measurements.
- Sturdy Metal Build for Workshop Use Constructed from high-strength aluminum alloy with a stainless steel bar. Resists wear and corrosion, offering a dependable feel and long-term performance in your workshop.
- Anti-Roll Base & Secure Grip Wide, stable base prevents tipping on uneven surfaces. Deeply knurled knob ensures a firm, comfortable hold for steady one-handed control, even during extended use.
- Sharp Wheel for Clean Marking Firmly-seated carbide cutting wheel scores crisp, consistent lines on hardwoods, softwoods, and composites. A reliable tool for marking parallels, tenons, and dovetail layouts.
For stock thicker than 3/4 inch, the article recommends flipping each piece end for end between passes. It describes 3/4 inch as a suitable thickness for many purposes, not a required thickness for every project; follow the dimensions your design calls for.
5. Joint one edge square to both faces
Check that the jointer fence is square to the outfeed table using a square or drafting triangle. Consider face-grain direction to reduce tear-out, then take light passes until one edge is straight and square to the prepared faces.
Best Value
- Precision Cutting with Less Effort: A rolling cutter equipped with a bearing ensures smooth gliding and clean scoring, even when cutting across hardwood grain.
- Dual Measuring Scales: The imperial scale is in 1/32" and the metric is in 1mm for setting up precise offset marking distances
- Dual-Sided Scale for Any Job: Engraved imperial and metric markings up to 6"/150mm support any workflow
- Safe Storage Ready: Cutter retracts flush with faceplate for safe handling and transport between projects
- Built to Last in the Workshop: Constructed from solid brass, steel, and aluminum alloy for durability and corrosion resistance, Includes a spare blade to keep you going without delays in case the original dulls over time
6. Rip to width and clean up the edge
Use a sharp tablesaw blade and set the fence 1/32 inch beyond the project’s finished width. Then take a light jointer pass—about 1/32 inch, according to the article—to remove saw marks and bring the edge to final width. Cut the parts to length when the project requires it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Limits of this workflow
The six steps describe a stock-preparation sequence, not a complete machine-safety procedure. The article briefly mentions pushpads but does not establish comprehensive guidance for machine operation, dust control or training. Use the safety instructions for your machines and your own training; do not treat this workflow as a safety reference.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
