Woodworking is a timeless craft that requires a keen eye for detail and a steady hand. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, the quality of the wood you use is paramount to the success of your project. The right wood can make all the difference in the final product, from the texture and color to the durability and strength.
When it comes to finding the best places to get wood for woodworking, there are several factors to consider. The type of wood you need will depend on the project you’re working on, as well as your personal preferences and budget. Some woods are better suited for furniture making, while others are ideal for carving or turning. In addition, the quality and grade of the wood can vary greatly depending on the source.
One critical thing to keep in mind when purchasing wood for woodworking is sustainability. Many types of wood are harvested unsustainably, which can have a negative impact on the environment and future generations. Look for wood that is certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) to ensure that it has been responsibly sourced.
In this article, we’ve researched and tested various sources for wood to bring you the best places to get wood for woodworking. Whether you’re looking for exotic hardwoods or locally-sourced softwoods, we’ve got you covered.
Best Places to Get Wood for Woodworking
If you’re a woodworking enthusiast, you know that the quality of your materials can make or break your project. Finding the right wood can be a challenge, but luckily there are many great places to get high-quality wood for your next project. In this roundup, we’ll take a look at the best places to get wood for woodworking. Whether you’re looking for exotic hardwoods or local lumber, we’ve got you covered.
The Complete Book of Woodworking: Step-by-Step Guide to Essential Woodworking Skills, Techniques, Tools and Tips
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to woodworking, then The Complete Book of Woodworking is a great choice. With over 40 easy-to-follow projects and plans, more than 200 photos, and carpentry basics, this book is perfect for beginners and experienced woodworkers alike.
Pros
- Provides an in-depth guide to essential woodworking skills, techniques, tools, and tips.
- Includes over 40 easy-to-follow projects and plans.
- Features more than 200 photos to help you visualize the steps.
Cons
- Some of the projects could be more contemporary and up-to-date.
- The book is quite heavy, weighing 3.32 pounds.
- The paperback version may not hold up well over time.
This book covers everything from selecting the right tools and materials to finishing techniques. The step-by-step instructions and photos make it easy to follow along, even if you’re a beginner. Plus, with over 40 projects and plans, you’ll have plenty of inspiration for your next woodworking project.
The first third of the book is dedicated to carpentry basics, including selecting the right wood, measuring and marking, cutting and shaping, and joining and fastening. The rest of the book covers a wide range of projects, from a simple birdhouse to a more complex bookcase.
Overall, if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to woodworking, then The Complete Book of Woodworking is a great choice. It’s packed with information, easy-to-follow instructions, and plenty of inspiration for your next project.
BBTO Micro Sander Kit
If you’re looking for a compact and versatile sanding tool for your woodworking projects, the BBTO Micro Sander Kit is worth considering.
Pros
- The detail sander allows you to access small edges and oddball corners that a bigger hand sander cannot reach.
- The complete grit size of 6 different grits from coarse to fine meets your different usage conditions.
- The small sander is made of PU material, which is comfortable to hold, and the sandpaper is made of aluminum oxide grain, which is hard to take material off but not damage the surface.
Cons
- The sandpaper sheets may not stick well to the sander, and you may need to use additional adhesive to ensure they stay in place.
- The sandpaper may wear out quickly, and you may need to replace it frequently.
- The sandpaper may not be suitable for heavy-duty sanding tasks.
This micro sander kit comes with 120 pieces of sandpaper in 6 different grit sizes, from coarse to fine, and a small sander for crafts. The sandpaper sheets have an adhesive backside for quick replacement on the micro sander. The sander is made of PU material, which is soft and comfortable to hold, and the sandpaper is made of aluminum oxide grain, which is hard to take material off but not damage the surface.
The detail sander allows flexible access to small edges, oddball corners, and the places that a bigger hand sander cannot reach, which can be held by hand. The mini sander is suitable for fine sanding, stripping and restaining bathroom cabinets, dressing tables or kitchen cabinets, repairing small cracks and curved surfaces. The complete grit size of 6 different grits from coarse to fine, P80, P120, P180, P240, P400, and P600 grit small sanders for wood, are applied for coarse sanding, medium polishing. Each sheet of sandpaper is marked with a grit size on the back, easy and quick to distinguish and use.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a compact and versatile sanding tool for your woodworking projects, the BBTO Micro Sander Kit may be a good choice. It’s easy to use, comfortable to hold, and comes with a complete set of sandpaper in different grit sizes. However, it may not be suitable for heavy-duty sanding tasks, and you may need to replace the sandpaper frequently.
Mid-century Woodworking: 80 Projects to Make by Hand
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to woodworking, look no further than Mid-century Woodworking: 80 Projects to Make by Hand. This book is ideal for beginners and experienced woodworkers alike, offering a wide range of projects to choose from.
Pros
- The book is well-organized and easy to follow, with clear instructions and diagrams for each project.
- The projects themselves are varied and interesting, ranging from simple beginner projects to more complex pieces for experienced woodworkers.
- The book’s focus on mid-century design gives it a unique and stylish feel that sets it apart from other woodworking books.
Cons
- Some of the projects require specialized tools or materials that may be difficult to find or expensive to purchase.
- The book’s emphasis on mid-century design may not be to everyone’s taste.
- Some readers may find the book’s focus on hand tools and traditional techniques to be limiting or outdated.
Overall, Mid-century Woodworking: 80 Projects to Make by Hand is a great choice for anyone looking to get started with woodworking or expand their skills. With its clear instructions, interesting projects, and unique design focus, it’s sure to provide hours of enjoyment and satisfaction for woodworkers of all levels.
Dura-Gold Bowl Sander Tool Kit
If you’re a woodworker looking for a professional sanding tool for both coarse sanding and fine finish sanding convex and concave curved surfaces of wooden bowls or platters mounted onto wood-turning lathes, then the Dura-Gold Bowl Sander Tool Kit is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The adjustable angle sanding head assembly allows you to adjust to the angle that best fits your grip, project size, and its curves.
- The sander has a sturdy 11″ long hardwood handle to keep your hands free of harm’s way while in use.
- The mandrel pads have a 1″ thick layer of firm foam and are designed to give enough flexibility for sanding small or large convex and concave curves.
Cons
- The fit and finish is not perfect and is just a tad rough in the hands, not as refined as a high-end tool.
- The bowl sander does require some practice to get used to inertial sanding.
- The tool kit is not suitable for small bowls.
The Dura-Gold Bowl Sander Tool Kit comes complete with both 1″ and 2″ hook & loop backing plates pads with 1/4″ mandrels, 1″ & 2″ soft interface foam pads, and 50 high-performance sandpaper discs, 5 packs of both 1″ & 2″ discs in 60, 80, 120, 220, and 320-grit, the most common grits used for bowl sanding. The bowl sander is the most effective and efficient tool used by woodworkers for sanding curved surfaces of wooden bowls or platters.
When sanding, let the sander tool do the work, as light pressure and constant sander movement will produce the best results. The sander has a dual-bearing head to ensure that the mandrel spins freely with the rotation of your project on the lathe, which dramatically reduces the friction to prolong the life of your sandpaper discs and allows you to remove the unsightly radial sanding lines, leaving a clean and smooth wood surface.
Dura-Gold offers an extensive product line of professional, high-quality automotive, industrial, and woodworking supplies and accessories. Their premium product line selection includes sandpaper, backing plates, polishers, and polishing pads that provide exceptional performance, so you can get the job done fast, saving you time and money!
Small Woodworking Projects (Best of Fine Woodworking)
If you’re looking for small woodworking projects that are easy to follow, Small Woodworking Projects (Best of Fine Woodworking) is a great book to consider.
Pros
- The book provides clear, well-detailed instructions for each project.
- The projects are challenging enough for beginners, but not too difficult for experts.
- The book offers a variety of interesting projects that are perfect for using up scrap wood.
Cons
- The book only contains a limited number of projects.
- Some of the projects require a well-equipped workshop.
- One of the projects in the book lacks full plans and a cut sheet.
Small Woodworking Projects (Best of Fine Woodworking) is a great choice for woodworkers who are looking for small projects that are easy to follow. The book provides clear, well-detailed instructions for each project, making it easy for even beginners to complete the projects successfully. The projects are also challenging enough for more experienced woodworkers, but not so difficult that they become frustrating.
One of the best things about Small Woodworking Projects (Best of Fine Woodworking) is that it offers a variety of interesting projects that are perfect for using up scrap wood. This means that you can create beautiful, useful items without having to spend a lot of money on materials.
However, the book does have a few drawbacks. Firstly, it only contains a limited number of projects, so if you’re looking for a book with a lot of different projects, this may not be the best choice for you. Additionally, some of the projects in the book require a well-equipped workshop, which may be a challenge for some woodworkers. Finally, one of the projects in the book lacks full plans and a cut sheet, which may make it difficult to complete.
Overall, Small Woodworking Projects (Best of Fine Woodworking) is a great choice for woodworkers who are looking for small, interesting projects that are easy to follow. If you’re looking for a book with a lot of different projects, or if you don’t have a well-equipped workshop, you may want to consider a different book.
16-Piece Contoured Profile Hand Sanding Block Set with Hook and Loop Interchangeable Assorted Shapes Interchangeable Assorted Convex & Concave Shapes for Woodworking Furniture, Auto Paint and Crafts
If you’re looking for a versatile sanding set that can handle all your woodworking needs, the 16-Piece Contoured Profile Hand Sanding Block Set with Hook and Loop Interchangeable Assorted Shapes from Tonmp might be just what you need.
Pros
- The hook and loop interchangeable assorted shapes make it easy to switch between sanding blocks, saving you time and effort.
- Made from high-quality foam material, these sanding blocks are soft and durable, making them perfect for sanding delicate surfaces like crown moldings and baseboards.
- With its soft and durable foam material and hook and loop interchangeable shapes, this sanding set is incredibly easy to use, making it perfect for beginners and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Cons
- The sanding blocks are smaller than expected, which can make it difficult to keep sandpaper on the curvy pieces.
- Some users have reported that the sponges are not accurate for their intended purpose and don’t stick to the sander well.
- The set is made in China and some users have reported that it feels cheaply made.
The Tonmp 16-Piece Contoured Profile Hand Sanding Block Set is perfect for DIY enthusiasts looking for a reliable sanding set that can handle all their woodworking needs. The hook and loop interchangeable assorted shapes make it easy to switch between sanding blocks, saving you time and effort, while the soft and durable foam material ensures that you won’t damage your workpiece.
Whether you need to sand a large surface area or a tight corner, this set has got you covered. And with its easy-to-use design, you won’t need any special tools or equipment to get started. However, some users have reported that the sanding blocks are smaller than expected, which can make it difficult to keep sandpaper on the curvy pieces. Additionally, the sponges are not accurate for their intended purpose and don’t stick to the sander well, which can be frustrating. Finally, the set is made in China and some users have reported that it feels cheaply made.
Traditional Finishing Techniques: The New Best of Fine Woodworking
If you are looking to learn the proper way to refinish wood in many different media, Traditional Finishing Techniques: The New Best of Fine Woodworking is a great resource to have on hand.
Pros
- Provides detailed instructions on traditional finishing techniques
- Offers tips and tricks to improve your finishing techniques
- Easy to read and understand
Cons
- May not cover all modern finishing techniques
- Limited number of pages
- May not be suitable for advanced woodworkers
Traditional Finishing Techniques: The New Best of Fine Woodworking is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn the proper way to refinish wood in many different media. The book provides detailed instructions on traditional finishing techniques and offers tips and tricks to improve your finishing techniques. It is easy to read and understand, making it a great resource for beginners.
In addition to the pros, there are a few cons to consider. The book may not cover all modern finishing techniques, so it may not be suitable for advanced woodworkers. Additionally, the limited number of pages may not provide enough information for some readers.
Overall, if you are looking to improve your finishing techniques and learn traditional finishing techniques, Traditional Finishing Techniques: The New Best of Fine Woodworking is a great resource to have on hand.
6100 Respirator Mask with Filters 60921: Small Half Face Respirator Reusable Gas Mask for Chemicals Epoxy Resin Dust Painting Mask for Construction Organic Vapor Woodworking Welding Soldering Sanding Small-respirator With Filters
If you’re looking for a reliable and comfortable respirator mask, the 6100 Respirator Mask with Filters 60921 by Wfoai is a great choice.
Pros
- The respirator mask is specifically designed for smaller faces, providing a high degree of facial fit and secure sealing.
- It features a dual filtration system that combines filter cotton and activated carbon, delivering a filtration efficiency of up to 99.97%.
- The design of the half face respirator mask allows for multiple uses and can be adjusted to fit a variety of face shapes and sizes.
Cons
- Some users may find the respirator mask a bit bulky to wear for extended periods.
- The mask may not fit perfectly on all face shapes, which could result in some air leakage.
- The filters may need to be replaced more frequently than expected.
The 6100 Respirator Mask with Filters 60921 is made of soft, lightweight, and non-irritating food-grade elastic silicone material, making it very comfortable to use. The dual filtration system effectively protects against specific organic vapors, non-oil and oil-based particulates, smoke, dust, and more. The mask is also reusable and adjustable, which means it can be disassembled, cleaned, and reused for added durability and sustainability.
This painting mask provides respiratory protection for industrial workplaces involving tasks like spray painting, woodworking, cleaning, and welding, chemical handling, grinding, machining, painting, sawing, and welding. The package includes one 6100 respirator mask and two 60921 cartridges. Wfoai is committed to delivering high-quality service for its painting mask. If you have any concerns or inquiries regarding its use, please feel free to get in touch with them.
In summary, if you’re looking for a comfortable and effective respirator mask for woodworking or other industrial tasks, the 6100 Respirator Mask with Filters 60921 by Wfoai is a great option to consider.
Lambor Studios Contour Gauge
If you’re looking for a tool that can help you copy and cut irregular shapes with ease, then the Lambor Studios Contour Gauge might be just what you need.
Pros
- The wider design of the Lambor Studios contour gauge allows you to copy shapes more precisely than other brands.
- This contour gauge can save you time and energy by eliminating the need to transfer profiles to paper or cardboard.
- The high-quality ABS plastic and both inch and centimeter measurements make this contour gauge durable and versatile.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the pegs are too tight and require some breaking in before use.
- This contour gauge may not be accurate enough for finish woodwork.
- The Lambor Studios contour gauge is not suitable for outlining intricate shapes.
The Lambor Studios Contour Gauge is a great tool for carpenters, woodworkers, and DIY enthusiasts. With its wider design, you can easily copy any shape and create an instant template for curved and odd-shaped profiles. This contour gauge is also a good helper for those who need to duplicate any shape instantly, as it eliminates the need to transfer profiles to paper or cardboard.
Made of high-quality ABS plastic, this contour gauge is rustproof and durable, making it a great investment for anyone who needs to duplicate contours regularly. It also features both inch and centimeter measurements, which are marked on the tough and durable plastic body of the gauge.
While some users have reported that the pegs are too tight and require some breaking in before use, the Lambor Studios Contour Gauge is still a great tool for anyone who needs to copy and cut irregular shapes quickly and easily. However, it may not be accurate enough for finish woodwork or outlining intricate shapes.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and versatile contour gauge that can help you save time and energy, the Lambor Studios Contour Gauge is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying wood for woodworking, there are a few factors to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your project. Here are some features to look for and consider:
Wood Type
The type of wood you choose will depend on the project you are working on. Some woods are better suited for certain projects than others. For example, hardwoods like oak, maple, and cherry are great for furniture-making, while softwoods like pine and cedar are better suited for outdoor projects. Consider the durability, strength, and appearance of the wood when selecting the type for your project.
Grain Pattern
The grain pattern of the wood can greatly affect the appearance of your finished project. Choose a wood with a grain pattern that will complement the design of your project. Some woods have a straight grain pattern, while others have a more irregular pattern.
Moisture Content
The moisture content of the wood is important to consider as it can affect the stability and durability of your project. Wood that is too wet or too dry can warp, crack, or split. Look for wood with a moisture content of 6-8% for indoor projects and 12-14% for outdoor projects.
Price
The price of the wood will vary depending on the type, quality, and availability. Consider your budget when selecting the wood for your project. Keep in mind that higher quality woods may cost more upfront but may save you money in the long run by lasting longer and requiring less maintenance.
Sustainability
Consider the sustainability of the wood you are purchasing. Look for wood that has been sustainably harvested and is certified by organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This ensures that the wood has been harvested in an environmentally responsible manner.
In summary, when buying wood for woodworking, consider the type of wood, grain pattern, moisture content, price, and sustainability. By taking these factors into consideration, you can ensure that you get the best product for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of wood are most suitable for different woodworking projects?
Different woodworking projects require different types of wood. Softwoods such as pine, fir, and cedar are suitable for projects that don’t require a lot of strength, such as decorative pieces or outdoor furniture. Hardwoods such as oak, maple, and cherry are ideal for furniture making and other projects that require durability and strength. Exotic woods such as teak, mahogany, and rosewood are often used for high-end furniture and decorative pieces.
How can I find affordable lumber for my woodworking needs?
One way to find affordable lumber is to look for local sawmills or lumberyards that sell directly to consumers. You can also check online marketplaces or classified ads for people selling wood at a discount. Another option is to look for salvaged wood from old buildings or furniture, which can often be purchased at a lower cost.
What are the best online stores for purchasing quality lumber?
Some of the best online stores for purchasing quality lumber include Bell Forest Products, Woodworkers Source, and Rockler Woodworking and Hardware. These stores offer a wide variety of wood species and grades, as well as helpful information and resources for woodworking projects.
How do I choose the right wood for furniture making?
When choosing wood for furniture making, it’s important to consider factors such as strength, durability, and appearance. Hardwoods such as oak, maple, and cherry are popular choices for furniture making due to their strength and durability. It’s also important to consider the grain pattern and color of the wood, as well as any defects or imperfections that may affect the finished product.
Where can I find specialty hardwood pieces for unique projects?
Specialty hardwood pieces can be found at local lumberyards or online retailers that specialize in exotic woods. Some popular online stores for specialty hardwoods include Hearne Hardwoods, Rare Woods USA, and Woodworkers Source.
What are the advantages of buying wood from local lumber yards?
Buying wood from local lumber yards has several advantages. You can often inspect the wood before purchasing it, which allows you to choose the best pieces for your project. Local lumber yards also tend to have a wider selection of wood species and grades than big-box stores. Additionally, buying locally supports small businesses in your community.
