wood size for scarfs?

[JoeT]

I'm ready to scarf together some lenghts for my mast. Should I dress down the lumber to final width and thickness before or after I glue up?
Thanks ahead of time.

[Stiletto]

I would do it afterwards, the reason being that you now have 'one' piece of timber. Try to get the grain facing the same way so planing is an easier process.

Good luck

[NormMessinger]

After. Any little jiggles from slight miss alignment can then be planed out.