Finishing Cuts and Fit Testing

What happens here

After milling the first side of the white oak log, the creator identifies the resulting 'slab' (the first cut, which includes bark) and explains it can be used for firewood or wood chips. He then rotates the log to cut another slab, effectively squaring off the log into a 'cant.' He then proceeds to mill several 1.5-inch thick boards from the cant. He measures one of the cut boards, confirming it's 1.5 inches thick. He notes that these boards will be ripped down to 3.5 inches wide later to fit the trailer cleats. He highlights the need to compensate for the 1/8-inch thickness (kerf) of the saw blade during precision cuts. He emphasizes that the current batch of wood is 'wormy' with powder post beetles, making it only suitable for dunnage and not high-quality projects. He uses a Toro electric chainsaw to cut the 1.5-inch boards in half lengthwise to create two 3.5-inch wide boards. He then tests one of these finished boards in a trailer cleat, finding it to be a bit too tight. He mentions that he will use a knife (or eventually a hand planer) to shave down the edges for a perfect fit, due to slight imperfections in the trailer's square holes. This marks the successful completion of the precision milling task for the trailer stake beds.

Goal: Cut final lumber dimensions and ensure proper fit for trailer stake beds.