Hardwood Lumber Amarillo TX

Many times, picking lumber from a pile can be a daunting task. All the wood starts to look the same and to make matters worse, the impatient lumber yard worker is standing over your shoulder waiting for you to stop being so darn picky! Its enough to make anyone so frustrated that they take the first few boards off the top of the pile and call it a day. But the more you shop for wood, the easier it becomes to spot the potentially problematic pieces and avoid them. And that usually is my primary goal. If I can go home with a nice set of clean and straight boards, I am happy. But I also have another agenda, that is, trying to spot that diamond in the rough. It may not even be something I use in the current project, but when I see a unique piece of wood, I don’t think twice about it. I snatch it up and take it home hoping that what I saw in the lumber yard truly is what I think it is.

Well today, I went to a local lumber dealer, Spellman Hardwoods. I was picking through what I considered to be a less than great selection of walnut, when I came across this board. At first glance, it looked rather rough and I almost threw it to the side. But the light hit it just the right way and I could tell that something beautiful lay within. The wild grain, the knots, the undulating waves of darker and lighter colors, were all subtle signs that this board was going to be something to behold, if treated properly. So I threw the board in with the rest of my loot and took it home to...

When selecting a wood species for our projects, its always important to be aware of how much a wood might change color over time. What we see at the lumber dealer may be a bit deceiving, since many woods will indeed change with oxidation and exposure to sun. In this episode, I review a few of the more common color-changing woods that you will likely encounter, and discuss how they will change over time. So be sure to do your research and avoid those impulse buys. Although I really need to start practicing what I preach. lol. Thanks and enjoy!

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As just about any woodworker will tell you, your first trip to a hardwood dealer can be quite intimidating. I can honestly say that my first trip was not only intimidating, but confusing and frustrating as well. Poor signage, no prices, and an impatient staff served to make the whole experience less than enjoyable for a woodworking noob. I know I’m not alone here. In this video, I will cover some terminology and topics that will help you be better prepared for your next trip to the lumber yard. Just a few of the topics covered include identifying different types of cuts, estimating board feet, and finding a good hardwood supplier.

Update (9/4/10): Sometimes when I watch these early episodes, I have to laugh at the delivery of my monologues. Not sure why I needed to say things like, “Wood Whisperer…..Video….Podcast…..” I guess I really wanted to make each word count. Anyway, years after posting this video, I still have the same feeling about lumber dealers. Each one seems to have its own system and rules. And I hear from countless woodworkers across the country who feel the same way about the lumber dealers in their area. I guess its just the nature of the beast. But once you have a little confidence in what you’re looking for and you shop at a particular store once or twice, its no longer an intimidating experience and you know the drill. Hopefully th...