And now for a topic that makes sense

[Bruce Cohen]

Over the last few months, (now remember, I'm really lazy,) I've found it more convenient to order wood via internet then to drive 30 minutes to my usual yard. Don't want to cut into my napping time.

Well I found a supplier that has some nifty stuff and depending what you're ordering, the shipping is included. Now keep in mind that lately I've making jewelry boxes (small amounts of wood, at least lengthwise).

The place is Woodworkers Source, http://www.woodworkerssource.com/ and the stuff comes really well wrapped (I think they took lessons from Lee's wife), and the quality is right up there too.

Still not like picking boards out yourself, but unless you're really good at that, you'll probably end up about even.

I'm sure a lot of you have heard and even ordered from them, but for those of you with a great amount of disposable income, or a burning need to try something new, check out the site.

They even have a weekly newsletter informing you what to go broke on.

Best,

Bruce

[crokett]

Bruce, thanks for the link. Also check out http://hardwoodstore.com/

they are local to me and have a pretty good selection. I've never done mail order from them but was always pleased with what I got.

[cabinetman]

Still not like picking boards out yourself, but unless you're really good at that, you'll probably end up about even.

Bruce

Picking out your own material is IMO still the best way. It's pot luck trusting someone else to know what you like and what it will be used for. Some suppliers don't like restocking their rack after its been "hunted through", but our money and projects are what it's all about.

I do order for delivery from local suppliers, and have had good luck. I've also picked out my choices and scheduled for delivery. I would guess for small sized stock, an online supplier could save some money, but in that there is weighing time and travel as part of the hassle.
.

[JimD]

I too prefer to pick out what I'm getting and there is less waste when you can pick your boards and get longer stock. But I've used mail order wood before and I'm sure I will again. I marked both of these since the places I've used previously do not seem to be in the business. The only guy in our town I've found is only open afternoons during the week. Pretty inconvient. Ordering from my recliner at home after work is at the other end of the convience scale.

Thanks for the posts.

Jim

[SARGE..g-47]

That looks good if.. if you are ordering sample packs, bowl blanks, etc. with the free shipping but... not so good for me if I want 60 to 200 bd. feet which is typical of what I purchase at one shot. Then I pay shipping and the price is much higher than I pay local. Here's examples with 2 species I use often even though I am primarily using QSWO predominantly for the last 2 years.

QSWO at your source is $6.74 a bd. ft. for 4/4.. $8.24 for 8/4.. add the shipping.

QSWO at Suwanee Lumber (my local source 13 miles away since I started using them in 1978) is $4.20 for 4/4... $4.20 for 8/4.

Red Oak at your source is $3.37 at your source 4/4.. $3.74 for 8/4.. add shipping.

My source.. $1.80 for 4/4... $1.80 for 8/4

Soft Maple your source... $3.37 for 4/4.. $4.12 for 8/4.. add shipping

My source.. $2.40 4/4.. $2.40 8/4

Simply put.. my source charges flat rate by the board ft. regardless of the 4/4.. 6/4.. 8/4.. 10/4.. 12/4... they do not charge to surface. In other words you can order rough... straight line rip.. straight line rip S2S (surfaced on both faces with the straight line rip on one edge.. etc. for the same flat rate board per foot price.

And.. I can spend an entire afternoon hand picking the racks which I do about once every 2-3 weeks. I can pick up any exceptional pieces I find then and come back as they turn stock about once every two weeks. This is feasible time wise when you are retired.

You might also look into Wall Lumber in Mayon, N.C. who ships also. Steve Wall is an exceptional lumber man and ships primo stock as witnessed by many that he ships to all over the country. I believe he is cheaper in price and the shipping is reasonable if you don't have local sources. He is well known on all the WW'ing forums for his quality.. prices and service.

Just some thoughts as at the price of wood (you would think current prices are those of precious jewels )... not a bad idea to shop around for something that fits your budget especially if you use and purchase in substantial quanity...

Regards...

[Bruce Cohen]

Sarge,

I totally agree with you, if I was buying over 20 Bf, I wouldn't go the internet route. But for the small amounts I need, and with shipping included, this way SOMETIMES makes sense.

The yard I deal with is about 30 minutes and a $5.00 toll away from me. The majority of the stock I get from them is improted, although, they have a great selection of domestic hardwoods too.

They'll supply the same services as your yard, although I prefer to joint, re-saw and thickness plane myself.

Again, Woodworkers Source is really only good for small amounts of stock or stock you can't get locally. Another good yard is Hearne Hardwoods, they're in PA and about a 2-3 hr. drive from me. Now that's a yard I'll travel to.

Sorry to give the wrong impression about Woodworkers Source as they're only good for minimal amounts (where the shipping is included).

Bruce

[SARGE..g-47]

I do understand and agree with you on the small amounts. There seems to lots of turners here and that very well might be attractive to them as paying shipping anymore means take a deep breath and reach deep into your wallet. There are others that just simply don't have any local sources and that limits species to them.

I have indeed heard of Hearne and heard good things at that. My wife is from the Altoona area and if and when we get up that way.. I would like to detour and drop by. The problem with that is her family doesn't hesitate to visit us or just move down for the weather as several have. But one of these days I want to go up with her to visit the places of her past.

Gotta go finish up some quad-linear legs for a crochet-lamp table so....

Regards for the day...

[Norm in Fujino]

Gotta go finish up some quad-linear legs for a crochet-lamp table so....

You do know that obliges you to post pictures

[SARGE..g-47]

You do know that obliges you to post pictures

Taking my time on this one Norm but will post. From Oct. of 2007 until last Nov. I pumped out 11 large carcass pieces. I spent from 8-12 hours a day in the shop 7 days a week. Those items (entire BR suit- computer desk-hutch- fish tank table- printer shredder table and a coffee table are all on file here on the forum if you want to have a peek. You may not have returned before these were posted?

Those were all desperately needed and I placed priority on getting them done. I have this crochet table- a flat screen TV stand and a new break-fast nook table pending. The wood is there and acclimating but... I'm simply in no hurry with anything at this point. I even took Nov.. Dec. off and rarely made it down under to the shop.

Regards

[luteman]

Another good source of mail order hardwood and supplies is BarnDoorLumber in Merrill Michigan.

[Norm in Fujino]

What's the lead time on orders like this? I'm planning on bringing a container to Japan in mid-late March (house siding, flooring, etc.) and I'd like to bring some q'sawn white oak if the timing/price is right. I'm not used to ordering in board feet (stuff is sold differently here in Japan) so some calculation will be involved, but the port of lading will be Portland, Oregon.