Woodworking in Colorado Springs? - Lumbermills?

[Jeff Johnson]

Moving to SPrings. Question is, what suppliers are there for hardwoods, outside of the typical Woodcrafters store?

[Bill Davis]

Not right in CS but.... maybe worth a gander. http://www.cswoods.com/csw_visitus.htm

[Art Mulder]

I visited the Springs on vacation this summer for two weeks. Had a great time. Being from Ontario, it is really quite startling how desert-like it is. If you see grass, it is irrigated. There are trees all over the city, but rather sparsely located and not particularly tall. I was walking under some 3-4 story tall walnuts on my way to work here (at a University) and reflecting that on my vacation most trees seemed maybe half that height. Look out the plane when you come in for a landing and notice that there are essentially NO backyard pools. My in-law's opinion is that "they'd evaporate too quickly", and also that water is quite expensive. No outdoor city pools either. Lots of folks join a health club like "Villa Sport", which has a few pools (and even some water slides) so that in addition to the workout they can also take their kids swimming easily.

I dropped by the Woodcraft, just for fun, but it is not really much different than anything else. Did not look around for any other wood places. It's all gonna be trucked in, I'd wager. Doubt that you'd find any small lumber yards around there like you might around here or in OH/PA/MI...

On the other hand, the sky is huge, and it feels like you can see far. The mountains are always there like a majestic backdrop on the sky. All the weather tends to roll in over the mountains. You can see storms that develop and drop their rain on another part of the city while you get nothing. My Sister in Law just reported hail this week - freak small storm. It's 2 and 3 lane roads everywhere. Also, Denver is just an hour up the highway, so you've got lots around.

[Doug Wolf]

Try looking at: http://www.columber.net/ I've been buying hardwood from them for the 8 years I've lived here

[Jeff Johnson]

Thanks, guys for the suggestion

It's all gonna be trucked in, I'd wager. Doubt that you'd find any small lumber yards around there like you might around here or in OH/PA/MI... .

Which is the issue. Here, I have a mill literally across the street (Marland select - www.maryland-select.com/ ). I'm looking to see what prices might be at these local places, and if it'd be less expensive in the long run to just to pay to transport a thousand pounds of extra lumber stock along with my household goods.

[Jeff Johnson]

Try looking at: http://www.columber.net/ I've been buying hardwood from them for the 8 years I've lived here

That's a nice looking place. I'll call about prices tomorrow.

Thanks!

[Gary Muto]

I just moved from MI to COS in March so I can't add much. I'm aslo still in an apartment so no woodworking experience yet. I am interested in what people have to contribute so I'll be watching.

I noticed the pool thing too, like Art mentioned. I've decided that the season is pretty short here and even when it's hot you really freeze when you get out of a pool from the rapid evaporation.

I moved a bunch of wood out here but not 1000 lbs worth. I think you should bring what you can.

[Richard Gonzalez]

If you are not afraid of a little drive, there are several places in the Denver area (30-45 minutes north) and one farther south to try:

In the Denver area, Austin Hardwoods (claims they stock over 99 varieties) http://www.AustinHardwoods.com, Paxton Lumber http://www.PaxtonWood.com, TC Woods http://www.TCWoods.com and Collector's Specialty http://www.cswoods.com (main locaton and kiln down south in Gardner). I have visited all of these and found them to have friendly, knowledgeable staff, and good selection of hardwoods.

As a plug, all of the places above provide a discount to members of the Colorado Woodworkers Guild which meets in the Denver Rockler. We have a few members from the Springs and Monument areas. There are also an active Turners Group and Marquetry group in the area.

Welcome to Colorado!