Replies

1. 
   zak | Feb 10, 2006 01:56am | #1

   What I've heard is the same as testing tires- if you can see the top of lincoln's head on a penny resting on the tongue, don't sand it. I would probably not lay it if there was less than an 1/8 above the tongue and it didn't require much sanding.
   zak

2. 
   JDRHI | Feb 10, 2006 02:24am | #2

   Whatcha got left for a thickness?

   Both overall and above the tongue.

   J. D. Reynolds

   Home Improvements

1. 
   notenoughtime | Feb 10, 2006 03:48am | #4

   The thinnest board is about 21/32 with the part above the tongue being 5/32.

   Thanks N.E.T.

1. 
   JDRHI | Feb 10, 2006 05:37am | #6

   Thats kinda thin for anywhere thats going to see regular to heavy foot traffic. A very specific, low traffic area....maybe say, a wine cellar?.....I don't know that you'd be able to get another sanding out of it down the road.

   3/8" above the tongue would likely be a minimal I'd accept.

   What type of wood is it? Can you do a very "rustic", low maintenance finish with it?

   J. D. Reynolds

   Home Improvements

1. 
   notenoughtime | Feb 10, 2006 05:55am | #7

   You didn't really mean 3/8 did you?  All the flooring I've ever seen new or old is usually 1/4 below 1/4 tongue and 1/4 above. 

   Thanks N.E.T.

1. 
   zak | Feb 10, 2006 06:06am | #8

   I was thinking the same thing. . . how do you get 3/4 t+g with 3/8 over the tongue?
   zak

2. 
   JDRHI | Feb 10, 2006 06:36am | #10

   All the hardwood flooring I install is 3/8" above the tongue when new.....however, my previous post was a typo.

   J. D. Reynolds

   Home Improvements

3. 
   zak | Feb 10, 2006 07:16am | #11

   Ok, I didn't realize that there was so much wood above the tongue. I'll have to go measure the unsanded "new old stock" fir flooring I have. I don't think there was ever 3/8 above the tongue.Ok, I checked- 5/16" on either side of the tongue, and 3/16" for the tongue itself, for a 13/16" thick board.zak

4. 
   JDRHI | Feb 10, 2006 06:35am | #9

   LOL....no, not 3/8"....I really gotta pay more attention when I'm typing.....shoulda been 1/4".

   New flooring is actually 3/8" above the tongue.

   You said the thinnest peices were 5/32" above the tongue? You'll likely only get the initial sanding out of that flooring.

   J. D. Reynolds

   Home Improvements

2. 
   FastEddie | Feb 10, 2006 07:20am | #12

   Since the wood was free, and you have already cleaned it up, I would say go ahead and install it.  But you need to realize that you will be able to sand it once during the instalation, and then never again.

     

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

3. 
   MarkH | Feb 10, 2006 03:15am | #3

   No, too thin.  I can remove them from your premises if you wish.

1. 
   notenoughtime | Feb 10, 2006 03:51am | #5

   Well okay but what do you charge.  I'll need quotes for both my doing the job and shipping it to you and you doing the job.

   Thanks N.E.T.

4. 
   garybuilt | Feb 10, 2006 08:44am | #13

   Put it down and sand lightly. You should get years of wear

1. 
   notenoughtime | Feb 10, 2006 09:23am | #14

   Thanks everyone.

   Another idea I was toying around with was cutting off the t & g and regrooving lower down with a router set up (something quick and accurate) and using splines. Thoughts?

   N.E.T. 

1. 
   DonK | Feb 10, 2006 02:13pm | #15

   Look at your screen name. Not enough time??? Sure you can re-spline it, but at what cost? Why? You won't make any money on this -IF that's important. If you are doing it for the skill challenge and to save old lumber, go for it. I would lay it somewhere, sand lightly and move on.

   That said, I'm guilty too. I've got a few hundred feet of old 5" victiorian trim sitting out in the yard waiting to be stripped. Doors too. No idea where I'll use it, just thought it was too good to leave in a building going down. At least the rain is taking the paint off it.

   Enjoy whatever makes you happy.

   Don K.

   EJG Homes      Renovations -  New Construction - Rentals

1. 
   notenoughtime | Feb 11, 2006 01:42am | #16

   My wife is always telling me I'm the reason I don't have time.  So thanks Donkey I guess I just had to hear it from someone else.  I was leaning toward plan B anyways-- fir is perfect for custom toothpicks.

   N.E.T.