So I was visiting some friends in Ohio last week and learning that I am a bit of a tool nut / woodworker they suggested we go to Keim Lumber for a visit. I was expecting some standard lumberyard but almost had a heart attack when I went in the front door and saw the sea of woodworking machinery stretching out in front of me.
If any of you are planning a trip to the area, this place is a MUST VISIT for sure. it's out in Amish country and so there's a twisty country road to travel on to a place called "Charm, Ohio". There's a nice little restaurant and a quilt shop on the main road. Do not eat - just park your wives, daughters and other non woodworkers there as it will maximize your time in the shop. The food is excellent
I only wish I had gone to visit with a cube van instead of a Volkswagen Rabbit. As it was, I still managed to jam some hardwood lumber in the car between the seats and literally drove 1000 miles back up to Canada (where I live) with it The border guards were chuckling when they looked in the car and learned what I was into as a hobby.
Check out this picture of the main machinery section of the shop. This is about 1/5 of the total floor space. There are many other areas with rows and rows of accessories and hand tools, along with a big exotic hardwood room with everything from big slabs of African Bubinga to lowly maple and oak.
The place is trimmed out with solid cherry - even the bathroom doors are solid cherry raised paneled doors with the "men and women" tags in bird's eye maple.
What a great place - make sure you bring lots of money when you visit - and a large vehicle with trailer
If you look carefully you'll see me in the middle near the powermatic stuff with a green shirt on and my arms in the air.
Cheers,
Lewis