OK, so an update.. Rick (CASO) was nice enough to take a few hours from his projects and help me cut, plane and grove the wood for my truck bed. We started out using the planer to make a square end, then ripped the boards to the correct width... Then we used the table saw to make cuts for the 1/4 inch groove. Then we used a router to take about 1/8 inch off the end surface. We finished using the chop saw to square up the ends at the correct length.
Now it's up to me to sand and finish. I'm using an orbital sander with 150 then 220 grit, then finish with 220 on a block. I think it will work OK.
I'm planning on staining (dark) then using a spar varnish (several coats) and call it good. I have one knot to fill in a bit with wood filler but overall, I hope it will come out OK..
I've updated the paint album with some pics from this morning's activities..
Enjoy..
paint progress.
