In the video “Where Should You Buy Wood?” Jason Hibbs from Bourbon Moth Woodworking addresses the common question of where to buy wood for furniture making, rather than general construction purposes.
He advises against purchasing wood from big-box stores, as it is typically not suited for fine woodworking.
Jason takes viewers inside a big-box store to highlight the drawbacks of buying wood there. He points out that the wood found in such stores is intended for construction rather than fine woodworking and often comes at an inflated price.
He also critiques the limited selection of hardwoods and the poor quality of plywood available.
Instead, Jason recommends seeking out a local hardwood supplier. He makes a call to a hardwood center to inquire about prices and the variety of wood they have.
The person on the phone confirms that they offer a range of hardwoods and plywood that’s suitable for furniture making and is likely of better quality and price than what’s available at big-box stores.
At the hardwood center, Jason explains the benefits of shopping at a dedicated wood supplier. The extensive selection of wood, from different aisles filled with a variety of lumber to a wide range of plywood and slabs, offers much more to woodworkers than a general retailer.
Jason provides tips on what to look for when selecting wood at a hardwood supplier, including checking for twists, bows, cracks, splits, knots, and discoloration. He emphasizes the importance of inspecting each board for these issues before making a purchase.
The video also addresses the topic of moisture content in wood. Jason stresses that for furniture making, the wood should have a moisture content of 9% or lower, much less than the 19% that is typical for construction lumber from big-box stores.
He recommends using a moisture meter to ensure the wood is dry enough for woodworking projects.
Jason then discusses how hardwood is measured in quarters, explaining that four quarters equals one inch in thickness, eight quarters equals two inches, and so on.
He notes that this measurement system accounts for the expectation that woodworkers will mill the lumber down to the precise thickness they need.
Throughout the video, Jason maintains a humorous and informative tone, making the subject approachable for viewers. He concludes by encouraging woodworkers to find a local hardwood supplier for better quality materials and expertise, which will result in better woodworking projects.