We'll I guess I ought to jump in here after signing up a while back.  Yep I'm at work and got caught up. Been little busy last few years so I have not even been on Wood forum as for making commets on it.  So some of you may remember me as Strap. I almost gave up woodworking mostly because price of lumber that the home centers/ lumber yard are charging.  Had been searching for several years for another source for hardwood lumber within 25 miles of home and had not have much luck in my area. Did by chance find a man thru Craiglist that sell lumber.  He has his on portable sawmill and he does woodworking himself.  So for now I'm still sticking with woodworking and still working on the idea of starting woodworking business but that sort of got put on hold till my son can find him a job in his chosen career since he graduated from college in 2009. Money is little tight since having to pay for his gasoline and student loans. 

Most of the projects in the past has been little bit of everything.  From bird houses/feeders, small desk clocks to scroll saw items.  Have done what is call Deacon Bench and Jelly cupboard.  Have made an oval 4 ft by 3 ft table top that was mounted on top of old foot peddle sewing machine for a lady back in 2006.  She wanted it to a craft table for her little girls.  For past year and half I been little busy on honey dew  projects which were not little projects.   The last summer built 6 ft long arch foot bridge which was fun to build.  Last fall built ottoman and now working on 2 small book cases for my son.  Nothing fancy, just plain and simple. Taking my sweet ol time.   That fine, just getting a little practice in working on my joinery and techinuqe.  If it not too cold in the garage /shop I'll have both book cases assembled and ready to stain and finish by end of this week.

 

Wayne

 

Welcome Wayne.  There are a lot of Wood cross overs here.  I agree with you the big box lumber is far too costly and far inferior to lumber obtained from a local mill or hardwood dealer.  I am sure that a man that mills his own lumber and is a woodworker himself can provide you with a product you will be proud to use. 

 

Check out the list of lumber retailers John has put together on this site.  Also I know Ralph Jones will select and ship you lumber at a reasonable price.  He may have something you need that you local guy can not provide. 

 

BTW did anyone inform you that we LIKE pictures. 

 

Oh yea I know you guys like pictures.  I'm not much on taking pictures mostly I forget to take them.  But do have  a few at the home computer. I'll see what I can do.

Well nice to meet you Wayne, I remember Strap at WOOD! I'd wondered where you went. Well I am glad you decided to peek your head out now. Sounds like you've been pretty busy woodworking.

Thanks for coming aboard Wayne and I hope you keep coming back!

 

Wayne Welcome. It is nice to have you here with us. I can certainly understand the big box lumber prices. I don't see how you could build much from that and expect to sell it for any profit. You are on the right path with a guy that has a mill. I have located several around me, not all real close, sometimes have to drive 60 miles or so, but at .25 to .30/bf to have it cut it is easier to have a supply on hand and even mess up a piece or two ( you know measure twice, cut once, then cut another one.)

 

We do love to see pictures, but most of all we are just glad you jumped on and posted. However, if you get a chance, we would love to see those bookcases.

 

Have fun and don't be shy.

Hi Wayne

Welcome to the site. I see you found the forums. What a great place to find and share advice, opinions and help. The big box stores are expensive and finding a "good" board is difficult. I use them ONLY when I am in a rush on a project. I have purchased much better boards at Rockler since I have one about 25 miles from me. But they are a little pricey also. But the quality and selection are so much better. I try to stock up when they put them on sale. My project run from a scroll saw to furniture.  Once again welcome to the site, I am sure you will be ashappy as I am with it. A great group of people and a great place to be.

 

Wayne