I'm a strictly amateur woodworker. I want to make some
good furniture, e.g. a chest of drawers or a table-desk and
I want make at least some of it with good hardwood.
The only hardwood I can buy locally is "dressed" i.e. planed
and jointed and it is really expensive. My question is where
do amateurs get hardwood at a decent price? Should I
try to find a lumber mill that will sell me small amounts
of rough wood and bring it home and mill it myself? Do
groups of woodworkers ever get together and buy wood
in bulk? I live in North Carolina and I have to believe I
can get some hardwood at a reasonable price somewhere.
Hi Billy,
I live in Raleigh and one good place is Klingspor Woodworking Shop. It is
off of Capital Blvd (US-1) in Raleigh. There is also Woodcraft off of
Glenwood Ave (US-70), in north Raleigh. That might be closer depending on
which part of Durham you are coming from. They sell wood at reasonable
prices. There are other sources but those might be easiest.
So long,
Brad
"Billy Smith" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'm a strictly amateur woodworker. I want to make some
> good furniture, e.g. a chest of drawers or a table-desk and
> I want make at least some of it with good hardwood.
>
> The only hardwood I can buy locally is "dressed" i.e. planed
> and jointed and it is really expensive. My question is where
> do amateurs get hardwood at a decent price? Should I
> try to find a lumber mill that will sell me small amounts
> of rough wood and bring it home and mill it myself? Do
> groups of woodworkers ever get together and buy wood
> in bulk? I live in North Carolina and I have to believe I
> can get some hardwood at a reasonable price somewhere.
>
>
>
>
TWS wrote:
> Billy Smith wrote:
>
>> I live in Durham which is near Raleigh.
>>
>> --Billy Smith
>>
>> "TWS" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>
>>
>>> Billy Smith wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> I'm a strictly amateur woodworker. I want to make some
>>>> good furniture, e.g. a chest of drawers or a table-desk and
>>>> I want make at least some of it with good hardwood.
>>>>
>>>> The only hardwood I can buy locally is "dressed" i.e. planed
>>>> and jointed and it is really expensive. My question is where
>>>> do amateurs get hardwood at a decent price? Should I
>>>> try to find a lumber mill that will sell me small amounts
>>>> of rough wood and bring it home and mill it myself? Do
>>>> groups of woodworkers ever get together and buy wood
>>>> in bulk? I live in North Carolina and I have to believe I
>>>> can get some hardwood at a reasonable price somewhere.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> Where in NC? The Hardwood Store (http://www.hardwoodstore.com/) in
>>> Gibsonville is a good place to go for small batches. They have
>>> reasonable prices, you can pick your own pieces, and they'll dress them
>>> for you.
>>>
>>> TWS
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
> Billy,
> Gibsonville is about 4-5 miles off exit 138 on Rt. 85, about 40 miles
> from where you live (closer for me since I live in Chapel Hill).
> Another source is Capital City Lumber in Raleigh. They are a bit more
> expensive than The Hardwood Store but is an ok source for small
> quantities. Also try http://www.woodfinder.com/ if you're looking
> for something unique.
>
> TWS
>
One bonus for driving to The Hardwood Store is that you have to pass
Woodworker's Supply showroom at exit 148. This 'benefit' usually
increases my wood buying trip expense substantially...
As someone else mentioned, there is also Woodcraft in North Raleigh but
I've never bought wood there so can't comment on the prices, etc.
TWS
Don't forget ebay and the classified section of your newspaper.
Have fun.
Joe
Billy Smith wrote:
> I'm a strictly amateur woodworker. I want to make some
> good furniture, e.g. a chest of drawers or a table-desk and
> I want make at least some of it with good hardwood.
>
> The only hardwood I can buy locally is "dressed" i.e. planed
> and jointed and it is really expensive. My question is where
> do amateurs get hardwood at a decent price? Should I
> try to find a lumber mill that will sell me small amounts
> of rough wood and bring it home and mill it myself? Do
> groups of woodworkers ever get together and buy wood
> in bulk? I live in North Carolina and I have to believe I
> can get some hardwood at a reasonable price somewhere.
>
>
>
>
Billy Smith wrote:
>I live in Durham which is near Raleigh.
>
>--Billy Smith
>
>"TWS" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>
>
>>Billy Smith wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>>I'm a strictly amateur woodworker. I want to make some
>>>good furniture, e.g. a chest of drawers or a table-desk and
>>>I want make at least some of it with good hardwood.
>>>
>>>The only hardwood I can buy locally is "dressed" i.e. planed
>>>and jointed and it is really expensive. My question is where
>>>do amateurs get hardwood at a decent price? Should I
>>>try to find a lumber mill that will sell me small amounts
>>>of rough wood and bring it home and mill it myself? Do
>>>groups of woodworkers ever get together and buy wood
>>>in bulk? I live in North Carolina and I have to believe I
>>>can get some hardwood at a reasonable price somewhere.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>Where in NC? The Hardwood Store (http://www.hardwoodstore.com/) in
>>Gibsonville is a good place to go for small batches. They have
>>reasonable prices, you can pick your own pieces, and they'll dress them
>>for you.
>>
>>TWS
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
Billy,
Gibsonville is about 4-5 miles off exit 138 on Rt. 85, about 40 miles
from where you live (closer for me since I live in Chapel Hill).
Another source is Capital City Lumber in Raleigh. They are a bit more
expensive than The Hardwood Store but is an ok source for small
quantities. Also try http://www.woodfinder.com/ if you're looking for
something unique.
TWS
These have been great responses. Thanks for the help.
--Billy
"Billy Smith" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'm a strictly amateur woodworker. I want to make some
> good furniture, e.g. a chest of drawers or a table-desk and
> I want make at least some of it with good hardwood.
>
> The only hardwood I can buy locally is "dressed" i.e. planed
> and jointed and it is really expensive. My question is where
> do amateurs get hardwood at a decent price? Should I
> try to find a lumber mill that will sell me small amounts
> of rough wood and bring it home and mill it myself? Do
> groups of woodworkers ever get together and buy wood
> in bulk? I live in North Carolina and I have to believe I
> can get some hardwood at a reasonable price somewhere.
>
>
>
>
"Billy Smith" <[email protected]> wrote in news:ogf8d.15071$DV3.10749
@bignews5.bellsouth.net:
> I live in Durham which is near Raleigh.
Steve Wall Lumber in Mayodan just off hwy 220 (just north of Greensboro
a little ways) isn't too far from you; they are good folks to deal with
(i.e. they won't mind taking time to help a new woodworker). They have
a website: www.walllumber.com.
There are a plethora of small sawmills in N Carolina, too; if you have
space to store wood for a while (because the small mills usually sell
green) you can get some excellent deals.
John
If I find such a small sawmill do they typically dress it (plane and joint
it)
or do they sell it rough and I have to do it?
--Billy
"John McCoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Billy Smith" <[email protected]> wrote in news:ogf8d.15071$DV3.10749
> @bignews5.bellsouth.net:
>
> > I live in Durham which is near Raleigh.
>
> Steve Wall Lumber in Mayodan just off hwy 220 (just north of Greensboro
> a little ways) isn't too far from you; they are good folks to deal with
> (i.e. they won't mind taking time to help a new woodworker). They have
> a website: www.walllumber.com.
>
> There are a plethora of small sawmills in N Carolina, too; if you have
> space to store wood for a while (because the small mills usually sell
> green) you can get some excellent deals.
>
> John
On Mon, 4 Oct 2004 19:29:40 +0000 (UTC), John McCoy
<[email protected]> wrote:
>"Billy Smith" <[email protected]> wrote in news:ogf8d.15071$DV3.10749
>@bignews5.bellsouth.net:
>
>> I live in Durham which is near Raleigh.
>
>Steve Wall Lumber in Mayodan just off hwy 220 (just north of Greensboro
>a little ways) isn't too far from you; they are good folks to deal with
>(i.e. they won't mind taking time to help a new woodworker). They have
>a website: www.walllumber.com.
There's an added "plus" to Wall Lumber in Mayodan:
It's an absolutely drop-dead gorgeous drive. 220 North out of
Greensboro is some of the prettiest countryside in the central part of
the state.
_Why's_ this important?
Me: "Hon, I need some lumber..."
SWMBO: "_MORE_ lumber?"
Me: "Yeah, thought I'd go up to Mayodan. Wanna go? Leaves outta be
turning about now, should be mighty pretty..."
SWMBO: "Let's go."
All's fair in Love and Lumber Aquisition.
Michael "Always thinking." Baglio
I live in Denver, Co and I watch the newspaper ads for hardwood. I found
500 bd ft of red oak for @2.50 a bd ft. This is rough sawn and
comparing it to the local hardwood dealers, I think I got a bargain.
Now where am I going to put all that hardwood.
--
Woody
Check out my Web Page at:
http://community-1.webtv.net/WoodworkerJoe/WoodworkerJoesInfo
Where you will find:
******** How My Shop Works ******** 5-21-03
* * * Build a $20 DC Separator Can Lid. 1-14-03
* * * DC Relay Box Building Plans. 1-14-03
* * * The Bad Air Your Breath Everyday.1-14-03
* * * What is a Real Woodworker? 2-8-03
* * * Murphy's Woodworking Definitions. 2-8-03
* * * Murphy's Woodworking Laws. 4-6-03
* * * What is the true meaning of life? 1-14-03
* * * Woodworker Shop Signs. 2-8-03
Billy Smith wrote:
>I'm a strictly amateur woodworker. I want to make some
>good furniture, e.g. a chest of drawers or a table-desk and
>I want make at least some of it with good hardwood.
>
>The only hardwood I can buy locally is "dressed" i.e. planed
>and jointed and it is really expensive. My question is where
>do amateurs get hardwood at a decent price? Should I
>try to find a lumber mill that will sell me small amounts
>of rough wood and bring it home and mill it myself? Do
>groups of woodworkers ever get together and buy wood
>in bulk? I live in North Carolina and I have to believe I
>can get some hardwood at a reasonable price somewhere.
>
>
>
>
>
>
Where in NC? The Hardwood Store (http://www.hardwoodstore.com/) in
Gibsonville is a good place to go for small batches. They have
reasonable prices, you can pick your own pieces, and they'll dress them
for you.
TWS
Billy
I think you have it figured out. The home improvement stores are probably
the most expensive places to buy hardwood. Partly because the generally
sell only 4-sided finished wood and partly because the are just high. In
our area, Wichita, KS, Oak can run upwards of $7/bd ft at the home
improvement outlet. Other local sources are closer to 1/2 this price 3 or 4
side facing (example http://www.woodsworksqh.com/lumber.html). This source,
Woodworks Quality Woods of Oxford, KS, actually trucks most of their lumber
in from Missourri or Arkansas. Some comes from SE Kansas. I am told you
can cut as much as $1/bd ft off of some of Oak and more from Walnut prices
by hauling it, in quantity, from SW Missourri or NW Arkansas yourself. Some
clubs do capitalize on this.
Check your local yellow pages for "Hardwood", "Lumber", "Lumber Mills", etc.
You might also try this link (http://www.woodfinder.com/), but I have found
it to be a little selective. I would think you would have great opportunity
in you area.
"Billy Smith" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'm a strictly amateur woodworker. I want to make some
> good furniture, e.g. a chest of drawers or a table-desk and
> I want make at least some of it with good hardwood.
>
> The only hardwood I can buy locally is "dressed" i.e. planed
> and jointed and it is really expensive. My question is where
> do amateurs get hardwood at a decent price? Should I
> try to find a lumber mill that will sell me small amounts
> of rough wood and bring it home and mill it myself? Do
> groups of woodworkers ever get together and buy wood
> in bulk? I live in North Carolina and I have to believe I
> can get some hardwood at a reasonable price somewhere.
>
>
>
>
On Mon, 4 Oct 2004 11:31:19 -0400, "Billy Smith"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>I'm a strictly amateur woodworker. I want to make some
>good furniture, e.g. a chest of drawers or a table-desk and
>I want make at least some of it with good hardwood.
>
>The only hardwood I can buy locally is "dressed" i.e. planed
>and jointed and it is really expensive. My question is where
>do amateurs get hardwood at a decent price? Should I
>try to find a lumber mill that will sell me small amounts
>of rough wood and bring it home and mill it myself? Do
>groups of woodworkers ever get together and buy wood
>in bulk? I live in North Carolina and I have to believe I
>can get some hardwood at a reasonable price somewhere.
>
>
>
You are in an excellent location for buying hardwoods. Find a
woodworker's club and ask where they buy wood. I made a small cherry
table from a neighbor's fallen tree, although the process of cutting
and drying is rather involved.
I live in Durham which is near Raleigh.
--Billy Smith
"TWS" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Billy Smith wrote:
>
> >I'm a strictly amateur woodworker. I want to make some
> >good furniture, e.g. a chest of drawers or a table-desk and
> >I want make at least some of it with good hardwood.
> >
> >The only hardwood I can buy locally is "dressed" i.e. planed
> >and jointed and it is really expensive. My question is where
> >do amateurs get hardwood at a decent price? Should I
> >try to find a lumber mill that will sell me small amounts
> >of rough wood and bring it home and mill it myself? Do
> >groups of woodworkers ever get together and buy wood
> >in bulk? I live in North Carolina and I have to believe I
> >can get some hardwood at a reasonable price somewhere.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> Where in NC? The Hardwood Store (http://www.hardwoodstore.com/) in
> Gibsonville is a good place to go for small batches. They have
> reasonable prices, you can pick your own pieces, and they'll dress them
> for you.
>
> TWS
>
On Mon, 4 Oct 2004 11:31:19 -0400, "Billy Smith"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>I'm a strictly amateur woodworker. I want to make some
>good furniture, e.g. a chest of drawers or a table-desk and
>I want make at least some of it with good hardwood.
>
Don't be afraid to order through UPS shioment from an established
house. I am a rank amatuer as well, and bought my cherry and poplar
(rough) from Niagara Lumber. THere are plenty of sources that deliver
via UPS.
Same is true for Plywood sheets. You get a much better selection via
mail order, although I believe they are limited to 4x4 sheets or 5x4
sheets to comply with shipping requriements. I don't own a truck so
mail order is great.
Where in North Carolina ????
Billy Smith wrote:
> I'm a strictly amateur woodworker. I want to make some
> good furniture, e.g. a chest of drawers or a table-desk and
> I want make at least some of it with good hardwood.
I live in North Carolina and I have to believe I
> can get some hardwood at a reasonable price somewhere.
Ug. From Tree. With Rock. :) (couldn't pass up that header!)
On Mon, 4 Oct 2004 11:31:19 -0400, "Billy Smith"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>I'm a strictly amateur woodworker. I want to make some
>good furniture, e.g. a chest of drawers or a table-desk and
>I want make at least some of it with good hardwood.
>
>The only hardwood I can buy locally is "dressed" i.e. planed
>and jointed and it is really expensive. My question is where
>do amateurs get hardwood at a decent price? Should I
>try to find a lumber mill that will sell me small amounts
>of rough wood and bring it home and mill it myself? Do
>groups of woodworkers ever get together and buy wood
>in bulk? I live in North Carolina and I have to believe I
>can get some hardwood at a reasonable price somewhere.
I had this problem at first as well, but I spent a good deal of time
driving around the area looking at houses for sale, and ran across a
hardwood supplier completely by accident. I thought it would be too
expensive to get decent wood after looking at Menards, but I checked
it out anyways, and found that the S3S lumber in random witdhs was
less than half the price of any home improvement center. No specific
info on NC, but sometimes just driving around will get you where you
need to be eventually. BTW, the place I buy from sells mainly
flooring and moldings, but they have a nice selection of planks in the
back- so you may want to check those suppliers in your phonebook.
I live in Durham.
--Billy
"Pat Barber" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Where in North Carolina ????
>
> Billy Smith wrote:
>
> > I'm a strictly amateur woodworker. I want to make some
> > good furniture, e.g. a chest of drawers or a table-desk and
> > I want make at least some of it with good hardwood.
>
> I live in North Carolina and I have to believe I
> > can get some hardwood at a reasonable price somewhere.
>