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How to Find Wood for Wood Turning Projects: Tips for Sourcing Hardwood Logs
Woodturning is a rewarding and creative hobby, but finding the right wood for your projects can sometimes be a challenge. Whether you’re crafting bowls, vases, or other intricate pieces, the quality and type of wood you use can greatly affect the outcome. Here are some practical tips on where to find both free and paid-for hardwood logs for your woodturning projects.
Free Sources of Wood
- Tree Services and Arborists:
- How to Connect: Reach out to local tree services and arborists. These professionals often have to remove trees and are happy to give away wood rather than paying disposal fees.
- Benefits: You can get a variety of wood species, often freshly cut and in sizable logs.
- Storm Damage and Fallen Trees:
- Where to Look: After storms, check your local area for fallen trees. Public parks, private properties (with permission), and woodlands are good places to start.
- Safety and Legality: Ensure you have the necessary permissions and follow safety protocols when collecting storm-damaged wood.
- Local Woodturning Clubs:
- Community Connections: Join a local woodturning club. Members often share wood resources and can provide leads on where to find free logs.
- Events and Swaps: Participate in club events and wood swaps to obtain different types of wood.
- Firewood Suppliers:
- Asking for Offcuts: Visit firewood suppliers and ask for hardwood offcuts. These pieces are often too small for firewood but perfect for turning.
- Networking: Build a relationship with suppliers for regular access to suitable wood.
- Construction Sites and Demolition Projects:
- Salvaging Wood: Look for demolition projects or construction sites where old hardwood beams and logs are discarded.
- Permissions: Always ask for permission from site managers before taking any wood.
Paid Sources of Wood
- Local Sawmills:
- Purchasing Logs: Visit local sawmills to purchase hardwood logs. Sawmills often have a variety of wood species and can cut logs to your specifications.
- Bargain Deals: Keep an eye out for offcuts or surplus wood that may be sold at a discount.
- Woodworking Stores:
- Specialty Woods: Many woodworking stores sell high-quality hardwood blanks specifically for woodturning.
- Convenience: These stores provide a wide selection of pre-dried and ready-to-turn wood.
- Online Retailers:
- Wide Selection: Websites like eBay, Etsy, and specialty woodturning sites offer a vast range of hardwood logs and blanks.
- Reviews and Ratings: Check seller ratings and reviews to ensure quality and reliability.
- Tree Farms and Orchards:
- Seasonal Sales: Some tree farms and orchards sell hardwood logs, especially from pruned or fallen trees.
- Direct Purchase: Buying directly from farms ensures you get fresh, quality wood.
- Woodturning Shows and Expos:
- Networking Opportunities: Attend woodturning shows and expos to connect with vendors and suppliers.
- Show Specials: Take advantage of special deals and discounts offered during these events.
Tips for Selecting Wood
- Grain Patterns: Look for wood with interesting grain patterns, which can enhance the beauty of your turned projects.
- Moisture Content: Ensure the wood is adequately dried. Green wood can warp and crack, while overly dry wood can be brittle.
- Defects: Avoid wood with excessive knots, cracks, or insect damage, which can complicate the turning process.
Finding the right wood for your woodturning projects can be an adventure in itself. By exploring both free and paid sources, you can gather a diverse collection of hardwood logs that inspire creativity and result in stunning turned pieces. Happy turning!
