2 hours ago, kmealy said:

poplar $2.95

That's what we are seeing here in So Cal.

Another wood that is fairly inexpensive out here that makes great drawers is European steamed beech. I love working with that wood. It tools very nicely. 
Paul

9 minutes ago, Masonsailor said:

Another wood that is fairly inexpensive out here that makes great drawers is European steamed beech. I love working with that wood. It tools very nicely. 
Paul

Why is it steamed? Beech I have seen is a nice clear grain white.

They call it steamed beech because they inject steam into the kiln at very precise levels and timing to stabilize it. It increases their yield o usable wood and also makes for very stable wood to work with. 
Paul

9 minutes ago, Masonsailor said:

They call it steamed beech because they inject steam into the kiln at very precise levels and timing to stabilize it. It increases their yield o usable wood and also makes for very stable wood to work with. 
Paul

This sounds like the way they do walnut but it also muddies the color.Did not know any other wood was done with steam

I think the process is very similar but in walnut they do it to darken the sap wood. Beech is very common in Europe and that’s why it’s so inexpensive. It has a wonderful golden color to it. I have built a few stair systems using it over the years. It also turns very nicely. 
Paul

10 minutes ago, Masonsailor said:

 It also turns very nicely. 
Paul

Yes I have turned a bit of it, Has a nice grain