When you first start out in woodworking, finding good quality wood can be a big challenge. Where do you even start to look? And how do you know if the lumber or wood stock you find will work well for your projects? This article will explore the main options for sourcing wood and lumber for woodworking. We’ll go over the benefits and challenges of various sources, plus important things to consider regarding sustainability, salvaging wood, storage and transport.
| Topic | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|
| DIY Portable Sawmills |
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| Traditional Lumber Yards |
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| Forestry Department Services |
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| Sustainably Sourced Wood |
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| Salvaging Wood Materials |
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| Transport and Storage |
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Types of Places to Source Wood
There are a few go-to options for sourcing wood once you get into woodworking. Here are some of the most common sources and their pros and cons.
DIY Portable Sawmills
Portable sawmills are a cool option if you have access to logs. These movable mills let you cut your own lumber to custom sizes. You can get specific cuts you want from logs you source yourself. Or have a tree cut down on your property sawn up.
The benefits are: – Custom cut wood sizes to your specs – Choose exact tree type/species for boards – Greater cost savings vs buying wood
Some drawbacks are: – Labor-intensive to operate – Learning to cut accurately has a curve
Traditional Lumber Yards
Lumber yards focused on construction and woodworking projects have a good selection of woods. They stock both common species along with more exotic and specialty types. Their staff also often has expert advice to provide.
Benefits include: – Good stock and selection in one place – Variety of common + specialty wood species – Staff with project advice
Limitations can be: – Higher lumber prices – Not all species available all the time
Forestry Department Services
State or county forestry departments will sometimes sell cheaper lumber from logging refuse or removing abundant unhealthy trees. This supports their forest conservation efforts.
Upsides are: – Helps support responsible forestry in your area – Very affordable, discounted prices
The flip side includes:
– Limited selection of tree species
– Unpredictable availability
Important Considerations
Aside from where you source wood from, there are other factors to think through as well.
Sustainably Sourced Wood
It’s vital to make sure whatever wood or lumber you use is sourced ethically. Choosing renewable supplies from tree farms or selective logging helps protect natural forests.
When buying wood, look at:
– Certifications proving sustainability – Reclaimed, recycled, or upcycled materials – Eco-friendly harvesting techniques
This ensures woodworking thrives along with vital ecosystems providing our wood resources.
Salvaging Wood Materials
Another green option is salvaging wood headed for landfills. Old barns, fallen trees, leftover construction materials, and more can be reused.
Tips when salvaging wood: – Carefully check boards for defects, rot, nails – Prepare surfaces for new use if necessary – Account for odd sizes/shapes in plans
Saving usable wood from debris keeps it creating value.
Transport and Storage
Finally, proper handling techniques preserve your lumber’s lifespan. Here are some pointers:
Transporting fresh-cut wood: – Anchor loose pieces to avoid shifting – Take curves/bumps slowly to minimize cracking
Storing wood:
– Let air dry evenly to target moisture levels
– Stickers underneath lifts planks off the ground
– Pile inside away from weather or intense sun
Having plentiful while avoiding waste helps your woodworking thrive!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most cost effective places to source wood?
Your most affordable options for sourcing wood will typically be forestry services selling logging leftovers or salvaging reusable wood yourself. Just make sure it’s viable and free of defects.
Are there tools that help move felled logs?
Yes, log carts and winches make transporting whole logs much easier and safer. They reduce strain and prevent logs rolling out of control.
What are signs old wood may be too damaged or rotten to reuse?
Look for crumbling, powdery wood, signs of fungus growth, holes from burrowing insects, or dark gray discoloration. Light graying can just indicate aged wood.
How thick should stickers or spacers be when air drying lumber?
About 3/4 to 1 inch thick is ideal for stickers. This allows ample air circulation across the wood pile to evenly dry boards.
Can green wood be used right away for projects?
It’s best not to use fresh-cut “green” wood immediately since it will still shrink and crack as moisture leaves. Let it air dry for 6+ months first.
What machines prepare reclaimed wood for reuse?
Surface planers and joiners smooth and square salvaged wood edges for working. while belt sanders remove old finishes or dirt efficiently.
What precautions prevent wood movement during transport?
Secure loose pieces from shifting, brace long boards along their width, and wrap bundles to restrict seasonal wood movement during transport. Slow, cautious driving helps too.
Summary
As you can see, you have lots of options to find wood for your projects – from milling your own lumber to reusing salvaged materials. Each source has its own mix of advantages, limitations and things to consider regarding responsible sourcing. Hopefully exploring the main places to procure wood along with transport and storage tips leaves you feeling prepared. Let us know if you have any other questions – woodworking communities love to share guidance for beginners!
Below are three external links that could be relevant to this article:
https://www.woodmagazine.com/video/how-to-choose-your-lumber-for-your-wood-project https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/how-to-find-affordable-lumber/