Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically planing a flitch. The method of the invention comprises measuring the distance between the top and bottom surfaces of the flitch at a plurality of longitudinally spaced locations, calculating a planing operation of the flitch based upon the plurality of distance measurements; and then planing the flitch according to the calculation. In a preferred embodiment, the measurements are taken by a bank of photodetectors in combination with a computer (microprocessor). The calculation is done by the microprocessor.