Hi,
I just purchased 6 boxes of 3-1/4" x 3/4" maple prefinished hardwood. I have two pieces that are about 6' long. I'm happy that i got long pieces but they have a slight bow in them. The bow is accross the 3-1/4"(if you have the board on the floor the bow isn't so it will stick up from the floor but the other way). I was thinking of running them down the table saw to straighten them out but they have microbevel. So, the one end i can put up against a wall (which will take care of one end of the bow) but what do I do with the other end? If I nail in the other boards off of it won't it'll throw everything off? Do you think I can straiten them out by nailing one side and then forsing it strainght and then continue to nail the lenght of the board?

any advise would be great.

Thanks,
Ivano

Some boards like that can correct easily by the method mentioned. But if you run into one that will be stubborn removing can be a pain especially if it's a stapled floor. Adding a few extra fasteners every four inches instead of the standard spacing should tighten it up.

Don't use them as starter boards..you'll never get them straight.

HI Ken,
Thanks for the info.
I had a thought... what if I run the board through the table saw and put few slits through the length of under the board. This would allow it to bend easier. I'm thinking of just enough slits so it would bend straight under pressure but not enough that it would cause it to really weeken? Otherwise a bent board is useless... infact I think it's worse then useless because if I use it and keep nailing it'll throw off the other boards.

What do you think?

Never tried it. It may look bowed, but sometimes they will tighten up easily...other times not