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Carlos Chiossone
09-16-2006, 2:52 PM
HI guys, another newbie question. Can you guys list where we can get thin woods that are laser friendly. I guess most woods are laser friendly, I just cut cocobolo which is super dense, a little flame but did it.

I am in NY, and have found some places online that sell wood at what it seems good prices.
http://www.itascawoodproducts.com/
http://www.constantines.com/

are there any more affordable places?

And what is a good inexpensive wood that could work nicely for kids items?

Thanks,
Carlos

Joe Pelonio
09-16-2006, 3:19 PM
Carlos,

Do a search on the forum, many suggestions have been made in the past.

Also, I suggest you become friends with a local cabinetmaker. I have one here that lets me have his scrapsof thin woods and veneer. You might even get a few jobs for him. This guy has me make him veneer business cards and has given me referrals.

Here's one good online source:

http://www.nationalbalsa.com/product1.htm

Carlos Chiossone
09-16-2006, 3:34 PM
Thanks Joe, actually a parent in my kids school is a great cabinet maker, will definately talk to him.

NationalBalsa is great for small quantities, but their board foot is way too expensive unless its 1/8. I used to buy some from them. Great service, fast shipping but expensive.

Thanks,
c

Lee DeRaud
09-16-2006, 4:05 PM
NationalBalsa is great for small quantities, but their board foot is way too expensive unless its 1/8. I used to buy some from them. Great service, fast shipping but expensive.Pretty much the nature of the beast: thin wood is expensive on any kind of board-foot basis. If you're serious about keeping your long-term cost down and need volume amounts, the only really good answer is to invest in a decent bandsaw and a drum sander, and make your own.

Carlos Chiossone
09-16-2006, 4:11 PM
Pretty much the nature of the beast: thin wood is expensive on any kind of board-foot basis. If you're serious about keeping your long-term cost down and need volume amounts, the only really good answer is to invest in a decent bandsaw and a drum sander, and make your own.

Agreed, I have them both. But again we get into the nature of the beast. I got the laser to speed production, if I need to cut and sand, there goes the time savings :-)

Man!!!! I guess I need to spend money on the wood :-)

One of the issue with National which you won't find in other mills is their calculations. 1/8 BF say its 3.08, if I want it 3/8 the same BF is 7.89 or so. At http://www.itascawoodproducts.com/shop.php?product=Basswood&cart_id= the difference is pennies.

c

Carlos

Bob Reda
09-16-2006, 9:34 PM
Carlos,

If you set yourself aside 1 hr per day, you should get about 30-40 foot of thin material cut and sanded. By your calc thats equivalant to between $90-100. you can't make that much lasering!

Bob

Gary Shoemake
09-16-2006, 9:56 PM
Try www.memphishardwoodlumber.com (http://www.memphishardwoodlumber.com) they are in upper NY. I buy alot of my wood from there and have very happy with them.

Keith Outten
09-16-2006, 10:28 PM
Carlos,

If you set yourself aside 1 hr per day, you should get about 30-40 foot of thin material cut and sanded. By your calc thats equivalant to between $90-100. you can't make that much lasering!

Bob

Oh Yes You Can :)

Carlos Chiossone
09-16-2006, 11:14 PM
Carlos,

If you set yourself aside 1 hr per day, you should get about 30-40 foot of thin material cut and sanded. By your calc thats equivalant to between $90-100. you can't make that much lasering!

Bob

:) You are assuming I am good at it. I am mostly a designer that loves to work with wood. While I have the machinery, I am not certain of my practice on it. But I guess in a few days after I could actually do as you say :-) . I think I will stick to buying for now :-)

c

Carlos Chiossone
09-16-2006, 11:17 PM
Try www.memphishardwoodlumber.com (http://www.memphishardwoodlumber.com) they are in upper NY. I buy alot of my wood from there and have very happy with them.

Should I tell them you recommended them, their prices are great, good selection and they are near enough.

Thanks Gary.

c

Bob Reda
09-17-2006, 8:42 AM
making $100 an hr, I could pay off the laser in a month:) 'm in the wrong business:D

Gary Shoemake
09-17-2006, 11:25 AM
I told Paul the owner that I was going to do this, so sure why not. I think you'll be pleased with the products.