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jamsomito
56 posts
and
4 followers
in almost 2 years
in almost 2 years
Budget woodworking has its perks
I picked up this load of number 1 common wormy maple for my kids bunk bed project. I was drawn to it because I like maple and, frankly, it was cheap. But I'm really enjoying going through this stack and finding specific pieces for the various components in the project. There is anything from rift sawn straight grain, to really spalted, to downright gorgeous curl. I saved the curly stuff for the headboard and foot board. Just milled it up this weekend. Check out this diamond in the rough!
As a hobbyist woodworker, this is the stuff I love. I don't mind working around "defects." To me, wood is a natural product and I think the variations should be highlighted not thrown away. I like making use of less desirable stock, everyone else is missing out!
4 Comments
Nice haul. Curly ambrosia maple is beautiful stuff. I would expect that to go for around $12 to $15/bf in this neck of the woods.
Half of what we read or hear about finishing is right. We just don’t know which half! — Bob Flexner
curious jams what you paid for it. thats some damn nice stuff.
working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.
Its been "acclimating" in my shop for a year or so, so I don't remember exactly, but it was something like $2.65/bf before straight lining and skip planing. I go to a regular hardwood lumber yard for it, they have everything.
Here's a few more snaps. Most of it has some kind of defect like big checks, knots, or even bark, and it's pretty regular wormy maple, mostly. But being a lower grade it comes with lots of surprises. I just ordered 200bf with no regard to length or width, whatever they pull off the pile. Sometimes the project stipulates the wood, sometimes the wood picks the project.
Here's a few more snaps. Most of it has some kind of defect like big checks, knots, or even bark, and it's pretty regular wormy maple, mostly. But being a lower grade it comes with lots of surprises. I just ordered 200bf with no regard to length or width, whatever they pull off the pile. Sometimes the project stipulates the wood, sometimes the wood picks the project.
Great score!
I've found that a lot depends on where you buy it. Some "boutique" places will charge a premium for that stuff whereas lumberyards will consider it a lower grade and sell it cheap.
When I remember, I'll sort through the hardwood at the box box stores. Usually around here they carry red oak, maple, poplar, and clear pine.
Prices there are high, a bit above what a hardwood lumber yard will charge for the basic species, but if one digs, you can find maple boards that have spectacular curl or ambrosia. Oak often yields quarter sawn pieces and poplar sometimes shows up some great colors besides the typical green.
I've found that a lot depends on where you buy it. Some "boutique" places will charge a premium for that stuff whereas lumberyards will consider it a lower grade and sell it cheap.
When I remember, I'll sort through the hardwood at the box box stores. Usually around here they carry red oak, maple, poplar, and clear pine.
Prices there are high, a bit above what a hardwood lumber yard will charge for the basic species, but if one digs, you can find maple boards that have spectacular curl or ambrosia. Oak often yields quarter sawn pieces and poplar sometimes shows up some great colors besides the typical green.
