Locutus wrote:
Currently rehabing a house (about 70 yrs old), and I just tore out the
cellar steps. The boards are oak and 2x8 (actual size) and about 40" long.
They are rough sawn. Over the years I have thrown many boards such as these
away, but since I am now starting to get into woodworking I am wondering if
these boards are worth saving?

You throw away clear (in stairs that old they were almost always clear)
oak 2x8s? Why?

The stuff is dry, stable and you'll still have plenty of size after you
clean it up. There are also usually few nails, and in known locations,
with stair treads - you won't be risking your blades and bits.

R