In “How to Buy Lumber from a Local Sawmill,” Jon from Lincoln St. Woodworks provides an insightful guide on navigating the complexities of purchasing wood directly from a sawmill.
He introduces viewers to his friend Matt Morgan, the owner of M2 Lumber in South Carolina, to explore the intricacies of buying wood, focusing on the importance of ensuring the lumber is properly dried and understanding the nuances of wood selection for various projects.
Jon emphasizes two main reasons for kiln drying wood: to reduce moisture content and to eliminate bugs. He explains that trees can be over 50% moisture when harvested, and drying is essential to prevent movement and warping in the finished product.
Kiln drying also kills any insects living in the wood, making it safe for use in projects.
The video highlights the common mistake of purchasing wood that hasn’t been adequately dried, stressing the importance of verifying the moisture content.
Jon and Matt demonstrate using a professional-grade moisture meter, which can measure moisture deep within the wood, unlike cheaper models that only measure surface moisture.
Jon also discusses the factors affecting lumber pricing, including wood species, thickness, and the type of cut.
He explains board feet as a measure of volume and the significance of understanding the terms used to denote a board’s thickness, such as “four quarter” for a one-inch board.
The tutorial covers the benefits of buying from a local sawmill, such as the ability to purchase slabs and dimensional lumber that come from the same tree, ensuring consistent color and grain patterns.
Jon advises on selecting boards based on the width and checking for any warping or twisting, as these can affect the usability of the lumber.
Jon’s visit to the sawmill with Matt offers a comprehensive overview of the process from logging to the final product, explaining how sawmills like M2 Lumber can offer better prices and quality by handling most of the lumber processing in-house.
This video is an excellent resource for anyone interested in woodworking, providing valuable tips on purchasing lumber and highlighting the advantages of sourcing wood from local sawmills.