"Where Do You Get Your Wood"

One of the common questions that came out of our first festival participation was “Where do you get your wood?” (usually posed by another woodworker or weekend hobbyist)

This question sparked several conversations  that led to an  exchange of valuable information.

  It's human nature.............we enjoy sharing things we've discovered with others who share our interest.

As far as wood sources go, for convenience there are the Big Box stores, but without offending anyone,they're primarily good for plywood and structure based wood (2 x 4’s, etc). Then there are lumber yards; however many of them are also focused on building materials.  The places where you get prime hardwoods are specialty lumber businesses, generally to be found via online searches like “Hardwoods for sale.”

My primary source is within 15 miles of my home; they have an assortment of woods from walnut to cherry to birch to real exotics.

Several examples as shown here in this 3D design cutting board............

 During the festival I was told about several other lumber sources and heretofore undiscovered gems in and around the Atlanta, GA area as “word of mouth” often yields the best information.

My latest personal discovery, however, came by searching on Craigslist.  Here I found a guy who had a complete woodworking shop that he was closing down.  His prices were terrific as was his selection.  It was a bit of a drive, but well worth the trip.  Even better was the encounter with the individual we got to meet; a man of Christian faith who was closing his shop in order to return to the mission field in Africa.   

Little gems like these are worth  a little digging. Sharing treasures found is  a way to bless and be blessed by those you encounter along the way.