Quick question, both specific and general.

What is close enough for all of you in terms of timber dimensions? As in, if your design calls for a 8x8 timber, how much shy of that 8" is still OK?

Specifically, in my application, the frame Im building calls for 4x6 braces, and today I made a mistake when milling, and instead of 6" have 5 11/16". I would never plan this and dont intend to mill more timbers like this, but is this still usable, or should I find another use for this timber (which I certainly can). This brace is oak, in a hemlock, oak, pine frame.

In my application, the frame uses housing that reduces the timbers an inch for their perfect timbers within. I don't know how much this would apply for a brace.

In general, do any of you have tolerances for how much the dimensions can vary before you call it too much?