Wood for turning

[Jack Clay]

I have bought some pen blanks and some 2 by 2 inch stuff for turning from Hibdon Hardwood in St.Louis Mo. Are there any other good places in that area to pick up wood? Thanks for the information.

[Pete Jordan]

Where do you live, Jack?

[Jack Clay]

Southern Ill. about 1.5 hours from St. Louis.

[Brodie Brickey]

Best wood is free wood. If you have a local dump, check for fresh trees there. You can usually get some wood from them. You may need a chainsaw to harvest.

Another option is tree trimmers or checking with your parks and recreation department. They occaisonally need to take out a tree or do some limbing, especially after a storm.

[Scott Conners]

A few quick links if you are looking to buy online:
www.turningblanks.net (http://www.turningblanks.net)
www.bellforestproducts.com (http://www.bellforestproducts.com)
www.walllumber.com (http://www.walllumber.com/)
www.cookwoods.com

eBay also often has some good deals. I second finding out where your town's green waste dump is and finding out of you can harvest from there or meet tree services there and talk to them. Some cold drinks and friendliness can get you pretty darn far, and a lot of guys will keep an eye out for specific woods or burls or whatnot if you let them know and make them presents =)

[Gary Herrmann]

Jack, are you looking for something specific?

The Rockler on St. Charles Rock Road sells turning stock - but it can be pricey.

Woodcraft near Page and 270 - same thing.

WoodNShop is on Metro in Maryland Heights - they have a nice selection of exotics and domestics, but is also pricey.

If you're looking for domestics at a good price - Try Tom and Joe at Lumber Logs. Urban loggers - they're on the lot the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month. You can find them through woodfinder, or pm me and I'll dig up Tom's contact info.

[Jack Clay]

I am looking for Olive Wood blanks 2 in square in different lengths that have been dried.