Best Places To Buy Wood For Turning: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're looking to buy wood for turning, there are several reliable sources to consider. Local woodworking stores often carry a variety of turning blanks, including domestic and exotic hardwoods, which are ideal for lathe projects. Online retailers like Amazon, eBay, and specialty woodworking websites such as Woodcraft, Rockler, and Exotic Lumber also offer a wide selection of turning wood, often with detailed descriptions and customer reviews. Additionally, lumberyards and sawmill outlets can provide raw or rough-cut wood at more affordable prices, though you may need to prepare the blanks yourself. For unique or rare species, consider joining woodworking forums or social media groups where enthusiasts often share tips on sourcing hard-to-find woods. Always ensure the wood is properly dried and suitable for turning to avoid cracking or warping during your project.

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Local lumberyards and woodworking stores

Local lumberyards are treasure troves for woodturners, offering a hands-on experience that online retailers can’t replicate. Walking the aisles, you’ll find stacks of domestic and exotic hardwoods, often with visible grain patterns and textures. This tactile approach allows you to inspect the wood for defects, moisture content, and overall quality before purchasing. Many lumberyards also offer rough-cut blanks specifically for turning, saving you time on preparation. Pro tip: Build a relationship with the staff—they often set aside unique or highly figured pieces for regular customers.

Woodworking stores, on the other hand, cater specifically to craftspeople, making them ideal for turners seeking precision and variety. These stores typically stock kiln-dried blanks in standard sizes (e.g., 2”x2”x12” or 3”x3”x12”), ready for the lathe. They also carry specialty items like spalted wood, burl caps, and stabilized exotics, which are harder to find elsewhere. Additionally, woodworking stores often host turning demonstrations or workshops, providing opportunities to learn new techniques and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Caution: Prices here can be higher than at lumberyards, but the convenience and quality often justify the cost.

For beginners, local sources offer an educational advantage. Staff at lumberyards and woodworking stores can guide you on species selection, such as starting with maple or walnut for their workability, or experimenting with denser woods like mesquite or ebony as your skills progress. They can also advise on storage and acclimatization to prevent warping or cracking. Practical tip: Always ask about the wood’s moisture content—ideally between 8-12% for turning—and avoid pieces with excessive checking or insect damage.

Comparatively, local suppliers provide a sustainability edge. Many source their wood regionally, reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping. Some even specialize in reclaimed or salvaged wood, offering turners a chance to create one-of-a-kind pieces with a story. For instance, a bowl turned from a century-old barn beam carries both aesthetic and historical value. Takeaway: Supporting local businesses not only benefits your craft but also aligns with eco-conscious practices.

Finally, the social aspect of local shopping shouldn’t be overlooked. Woodturning is as much a community as it is a craft, and lumberyards and woodworking stores serve as hubs for like-minded individuals. Strike up a conversation, and you might leave with more than just wood—perhaps a new technique, a source for rare species, or even a lifelong turning partner. Practical tip: Join or inquire about local woodturning clubs, often advertised in these stores, to further immerse yourself in the craft.

Online retailers specializing in turning blanks

For woodturners seeking high-quality turning blanks, online retailers offer a vast selection of domestic and exotic woods, often with detailed specifications to meet specific project needs. Websites like Woodturningz and Bell Forest Products specialize in blanks pre-cut to standard bowl, pen, or spindle sizes, saving time and reducing waste. These platforms frequently provide moisture content details (typically 10-15% for air-dried blanks) and hardness ratings (Janka scale) to help turners choose the right material for their skill level and intended use.

Analyzing the market reveals that Craft Supplies USA stands out for its curated collection of rare and figured woods, such as spalted maple or birdseye maple, ideal for decorative pieces. In contrast, The Wood Database pairs educational resources with a marketplace, allowing beginners to learn about wood properties while shopping. Both models cater to different user needs: the former prioritizes variety and aesthetics, while the latter emphasizes knowledge-building alongside purchasing.

When selecting an online retailer, consider shipping policies and customer reviews. Sites like Exotic Wood Zone offer flat-rate shipping for bulk orders, beneficial for professionals stocking up on blanks. Meanwhile, Etsy shops like TurningBlanks4U provide unique, handcrafted options but may have longer lead times. Always verify return policies, as some sellers accept returns only for defective items, not for color or grain mismatches.

A persuasive argument for online shopping lies in the ability to compare prices and qualities across retailers instantly. For instance, Woodworkers Source often lists kiln-dried blanks with precise dimensions, reducing the risk of warping during turning. Conversely, Amazon offers convenience but may lack detailed wood sourcing information, making it less ideal for purists. Prioritize retailers that disclose origin details, especially for exotic species, to ensure sustainability.

Finally, practical tips can enhance your online shopping experience. Use filters to narrow searches by wood type, dryness, or price range. Subscribe to newsletters for discounts—many retailers offer 10-15% off first orders. For beginners, start with smaller blanks (e.g., 2” x 2” x 6”) to practice without high costs. Advanced turners might invest in premium, larger blanks (e.g., 12” bowl blanks) for statement pieces. Always inspect photos and descriptions carefully, as digital representations may vary slightly from the physical product.

Salvaged or reclaimed wood sources

Salvaged or reclaimed wood offers a unique, sustainable option for turning projects, blending history with craftsmanship. Sources like demolition sites, old barns, and industrial structures yield hardwoods such as oak, maple, and walnut, often seasoned by decades of use. These materials bear distinctive grain patterns, nail holes, or weathering, adding character to your creations. However, sourcing them requires effort: networking with contractors, visiting salvage yards, or scouting rural areas for abandoned structures. Always verify the wood’s condition, as some may harbor pests or rot.

For the environmentally conscious turner, reclaimed wood minimizes waste and reduces demand for new timber. Urban wood rescue programs, often run by nonprofits, salvage trees felled by storms or disease, offering them at low cost. Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or specialized platforms such as Woodfinder connect buyers with local sellers. When selecting wood, inspect for cracks, excessive moisture, or hidden metal remnants. Proper drying and stabilization techniques, like kiln-drying or resin impregnation, can restore usability to even compromised pieces.

A comparative advantage of salvaged wood lies in its affordability and rarity. While exotic or newly milled woods can be expensive, reclaimed options often cost less due to their "second-life" status. For instance, a beam from a 19th-century barn might contain tighter grain patterns from slower-growing trees, ideal for durable bowls or pens. However, this route demands patience and adaptability, as finding specific species or dimensions can be unpredictable. Contrast this with the convenience of lumberyards, and the choice becomes one of value versus immediacy.

To maximize success, adopt a strategic approach. Start by identifying local demolition projects or contacting tree removal services, which often discard large, usable sections. Bring tools like a moisture meter and a small saw for on-site testing and sampling. Establish relationships with suppliers; many will notify you when suitable wood becomes available. Finally, embrace experimentation—reclaimed wood’s imperfections can inspire innovative designs, turning limitations into artistic opportunities.

In conclusion, salvaged or reclaimed wood is not just a material but a narrative, offering both challenges and rewards. Its sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and historical depth make it a compelling choice for woodturning. By combining resourcefulness with technical skill, you can transform forgotten timber into timeless pieces, bridging past and present in every creation.

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Woodturning clubs and community exchanges

Woodturning clubs are treasure troves for sourcing unique and affordable wood. Many clubs maintain partnerships with local mills or landowners, securing members access to freshly cut or salvaged wood that might not be available commercially. For instance, the American Association of Woodturners (AAW) often organizes group purchases, allowing members to buy exotic or rare wood species in bulk at discounted rates. Joining a club not only connects you with like-minded enthusiasts but also opens doors to exclusive wood-sourcing opportunities.

Community exchanges, such as online forums or local barter groups, are another underutilized resource for woodturners. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or specialized woodworking forums often feature posts from individuals selling or trading wood scraps, logs, or burls. These exchanges can be particularly beneficial for beginners, as they often include smaller, more manageable pieces ideal for practice. Pro tip: Always inspect the wood for cracks, insect damage, or excessive moisture before committing to a purchase or trade.

For those seeking sustainably sourced wood, community exchanges often highlight locally harvested or reclaimed materials. Urban tree removal services, for example, frequently discard wood that could be perfect for turning. By engaging with local arborists or tree care companies, you can often secure free or low-cost wood while supporting eco-friendly practices. Just ensure you have permission to collect and use the wood, as some species may be protected or require permits.

One of the most valuable aspects of woodturning clubs is the shared knowledge about wood seasoning and storage. Properly dried wood is essential for successful turning, and club members often have tried-and-true methods for air-drying, kiln-drying, or stabilizing wood. For example, the UK-based Association of Woodturners of Great Britain (AWGB) offers workshops on wood preservation techniques, ensuring you get the most out of your purchases. This communal expertise can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

Finally, consider the social benefits of engaging with woodturning clubs and community exchanges. These networks often host wood swaps, where members bring excess or unwanted wood to trade. Such events are not only practical but also foster a sense of camaraderie and shared passion. For instance, the Woodturners Guild of Ontario holds an annual wood swap that attracts turners from across the province, offering a diverse array of materials and the chance to build lasting connections. By participating, you’ll gain access to wood while becoming part of a supportive, creative community.

Exotic wood suppliers and importers

For woodturners seeking rare and distinctive materials, exotic wood suppliers and importers are invaluable resources. These specialists source hardwoods from around the globe, offering species like Zebrawood, Purpleheart, and Wenge that domestic suppliers rarely stock. Their inventories often include sustainably harvested or reclaimed options, catering to eco-conscious artisans. However, the premium nature of these woods means higher costs and potential shipping delays, so planning ahead is essential.

When selecting an exotic wood supplier, prioritize those with transparent sourcing practices. Reputable importers provide documentation verifying the wood’s origin and legality, ensuring compliance with international regulations like CITES. Websites such as Exotic Lumber, Woodworkers Source, and Rare Woods USA are known for their detailed product descriptions and certifications. Always inquire about moisture content and drying methods, as improperly seasoned wood can warp or crack during turning.

Comparing suppliers reveals distinct advantages. For instance, Exotic Lumber offers small turning blanks ideal for beginners, while Rare Woods USA specializes in larger billets for ambitious projects. Some importers, like Woodworkers Source, provide custom milling services, allowing you to specify dimensions for a perfect fit. Additionally, joining their mailing lists often grants access to exclusive deals on newly arrived species or overstock items.

To maximize your investment, start with smaller quantities of unfamiliar woods to test their workability and finish. Exotic species can vary widely in hardness, grain pattern, and tool wear, so experimentation is key. For example, dense woods like Lignum Vitae require sharp tools and slower speeds, while softer varieties like Cocobolo turn effortlessly but may dull cutters faster. Always wear respiratory protection when working with tropical hardwoods, as some contain natural irritants.

Finally, building a relationship with your supplier can yield long-term benefits. Many importers offer loyalty discounts or reserve rare finds for repeat customers. Sharing your finished projects with them not only showcases their materials but may also lead to collaborations or features on their platforms. By partnering with the right exotic wood supplier, you’ll gain access to a world of possibilities for your turning endeavors.

Frequently asked questions