Yesterday we drove to Northland Forest Products in Troy, VA (Exit 136 - I64). Bought some nice 4/4 QS White Oak that was priced OK. But also needed some 10/4 or thicker to make some legs. They had some 10/4 WO that was cut 7’. (Picture attached). Bought a few for about 125 each. Wow - means whatever I build with this stuff I cannot make a mistake. (Note the 12” wide 8/4 WO (originally 13’ long) on top of those two - got it at Blue Ridge Lumber - Mule Academy Road in Fishersville - courtesy of the great manager there Kenny.
Plan to build a mid century modern bookshelf to honor my great friend David Longacre who recently passed and sell it at the MCC Relief Sale later in 2023 in his honor (he was a very skilled WW and aged 91). (Attached is an earlier one built for my son - waterfall QS WO on it.). I had usually cut mortises for the straight back and cheated a bit with Kreg Screws for the slanted front legs on the bottom of the shelves - super strong or so it seems. Now with the price of what we use being so high I am tempted to Kreg Screw it all the way (the lateral supports will still be mortises - angle of front leg will be 5 degrees). Would appreciate any alternative thoughts.
Also bought some maple this week. Went deep into Dayton Old Order country off of Silver Creek Road on a one lane rutted road (Rockingham County) where I picked up some very clear straight grained FAS hard maple 4/4+ At around $6/ BF - cash only. As we were loading it up with some walnut, we had the company of various beef steers who licked me and my truck (parked in front of the cattle guard) Nelson also had some beautiful cherry - all the way up to 16/4 and QS WO, etc.
Bottom line is I do not want to be looking to buy wood once I get deep into winter. I have several places to buy stuff within a half hour (Northland is about 80 minutes away) and while the wood is not bargain priced, the other places in Fishersville, Dayton, and Timberville with their short drive and good quality make it worth it. (Alexander Bros. In Timberville, VA - he has beautiful stuff.)