Generally, for the piece to be flat on one side, the ends are going to be thinner by the amount of bow in the piece.
My method is to set the bow above the cutter and push it through, cutting one end. Then I reverse it and cut the other end. Only enough pressure on the piece to push it through. Don't push down on the bowed part. After a few passes (varies), you can run it all the way from end to end.
Unless you absolutely need the full length, crosscut the piece at the center of the bow, then joint it. You'll lose less wood in flattening it.
Gene Howe
Snowflake, AZ
'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton
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Last edited by Gene Howe; 03-20-2012 at 07:25 PM.