Shopsmith Forums

Hi all,

My name is Jim, and I live in Somerset County PA, which borders MD just east of Pittsburgh. Please comment if you live nearby.

I have been wanting a Shopsmith since I was 19 years old, way back in 1980, but there was always an issue of money at first, and then time. Finally I am retired and have the time to pursue woodworking.

I now have a new Mark 7, supplemented by all the special purpose tools, found on ebay, CL, auction, or yard sale, including standalone versions of scroll saw, and planer.

I am putting the final touches on my workshop. I should have the wiring done and electric on in the next ten days. My dream is finally coming true.

So I have the shop, the tools, and the ability. All I need now is the wood. But I know zilch about buying wood.

Where do you get it, aside from cutting down a tree?

What is the terminology used, such as grades of wood, board feet, etc.?

What are the dos and don’ts of buying wood?

What is a fair price?

Any help would be appreciated.

This is a good place to start .....

http://workshopcompanion.com/index.htm

I get most of my wood from the local lumber store (either Foxworth, or Home Depot)

Thanks rjent. I didn’t know Nick had a web site.

I didn’t know you could buy oak, cherry, etc at the home improvement stores. I thought they were all pine and plywood.

Is it more cost efficient to buy rough lumber and plane it to size?

Congratulations on your retirement Jim and finally being able to pursue your long desired hobby interests.

There are a myriad number of resources available to you on the internet as well as books. It might be a good idea, though, to see if you can find some local hands-on classes to give you a solid and safe initial baseline. Woodcraft stores typically offer classes. You might also check local vo-techs (I took a several weeks long class that included one guest who makes a living from his lathe work, another guest, Bob Flexner, is one of the top experts in the country on finishing, and, as I recall, the primary instructor also teaches occasionally at commercial schools around the country--no slouches among any of them). Once you get your feet wet and are doing things safely, you might want to check out some of the other classes available, which are more plentiful in your general area of the country.

I'd also recommend wood from Home Depot and such to get started, probably whiteboard/pine. After a little experience with that, you might want to expand into using better woods that should be more plentiful in your area such as cherry, walnut, maple, and other local wood; you might try looking for local mills where you can potentially save a bunch of money.

Have fun,
Roy

Welcome, Jim. Here are a few sources for wood and info for you to check out...

Woodfinder: http://www.woodfinder.com/

D&M Woodworks: http://kansaswood.com/Lumber.html

The Wood Database: http://www.wood-database.com/wood-identification/

Thank you for your advice Roy.

George, the woodfinder site is very helpful. I found several mills within an easy drive. Thank you.

kablej,
here is the site I get 99& of my wood at, it is rough sawn, but they have a 52" planer and sander, and charge just a nickel 98 for surfacing if you choose to.
Click on hardwoods, and then there is all sorts of info on grading, wood terms ect, pricing is in there top bar, look at it for comparisons.
http://www.kmhardwoods.com/

Thanks Bob. I may be going out that way in January, so I'll keep them in mind.

I lived in Johnstown many many years ago. At that time there was a number of sawmills in the area especially out your direction.

Also Rockler has a store in Pittsburgh and Woodcraft has a number of stores in Pa. With an outlet up in State College. All sell excellent selections of hardwood.

If I remember correctly there is a sawmill in Meyerdale or Berlin.

My guess many got ran out of business by the big box stores.

Check to see if any of these are still around. Bought more than a few board feet of PA lumber in my time.
Berlin Lumber
84 Lumber
Whites Creek Lumber
Allegheny Wood Products
Richter Lumber
Ream Lumber
Hostetler's Lumber
Boswell Lumber

I think I'm related to the Hostetler's that run Hostetler's lumber so just tell them cousin Ed sent you. That will make them wonder and probably get you thrown out.

Hi Ed,

Thanks for the info. I will investigate those mills.

My father and mother are from Davidsville. I am somehow related to Hostetlers on my mother’s side. She was a Saylor.

I lived in Holsopple back in the early 80’s. Then I moved off to the big city. Returned to live in Meyersdale in 07. We had a fire that destroyed the house last Dec. We’re living in Somerset while we rebuild. Hope to be back to Meyersdale by Christmas. BTW after 40 years of promises, they are finally extending the 219 four-lane from Somerset to Meyersdale.

Now that you mention it, I kind of remember radio ads for Boswell lumber years ago. I know there was an 84 Lumber right off 219 in Jerome way back. Maybe it’s still there. Lots of places closing around here these days.

Jim