Step 4: Truing second face The thickness planer is by far best tool to accomplish this. On jointer it is simple to get second face true but it is quite difficult to get it parallel to first.

The thickness planer guides board and makes second face exactly parallel to first. Once second face is true and parallel to first continue to plane board until it reaches finished thickness, in this case 5/8". Remember to feed stock with grain to ensure a smooth clean cut.

Step 5: Square one edge Back to jointer for this step. Set jointer fence so it is exactly 90 degrees to table and be sure cutting depth is set to 1/16". Determine direction of grain and place on face against jointer fence and make a pass through cutter applying steady pressure against fence.

Once you are satisfied that edge and face are square to each other mark edge for reference.

Step 6: Square other edge Now that you have one edge prepared it is back to table saw to rip board to width. Set fence 4-9/16" (1/16" larger then needed). With marked edge against table saw fence rip board. Now return to jointer and make one final pass, milling new sawn edge. Be sure that jointer is set to 1/16".

Step 7: Squaing ends I prefer to use a table saw to square end and cut board to length although a table saw with a miter gauge will work as well. Check that your miter saw is cutting a true 90 degrees and when you are sure it is trim one end of board, taking as little off as possible. Now measure finished width of 30" and make cut taking care to cut on waste side of line.

Conclusion: You should now have a board that is 30" x 4-1/2 " x 5/8" with all four sides square to one another.

There are a number of methods that will work for milling a board square, however I have always had good luck using this method.

Make sure you avoid loose clothing and roll up your sleeves. Remove rings, and tie up long hair.

Having sharp tools and blades is important. It takes less force to perform cut and that reduces chance of getting injured.

Some safety measure should be no brainers. Don't drink or take drugs and operate power tools!

Part of being safe is to also be prepared. Accidents do happen despite all precautions. Do you have a plan in event you get injured?

How far away is phone?

Will somebody hear your call for help?

Do you have a first aid kit in shop?

Plan now because you won't be thinking too clear after you are injured.

The important thing to remember is to not get complacent. Performing repetative actions can cause one to loose focus and thats when you get hurt.

Remember to read manuals, and if you aren't sure how to do something ask. Go online and learn how to do things properly.