Replies

1. 
   ASK | Nov 23, 2009 05:12pm | #1

   Don't know where you are but try them in western Mass..

   http://www.berkproducts.com/

   ASK

1. 
   Kenneth | Nov 24, 2009 05:11am | #2

   ASK:

   Thanks for the recommendation.  I'm located in Atlanta, Georgia.  We have a couple good wood suppliers but they don't carry much of the figured wood.  This was my first time ordering wood by "mail order" sight unseen.  Unfortunately, the results were ordinary.  I requested what was supposed to be "highly" figured bird's eye maple from Hearn Hardwoods in PA but the density of the "eyes" was disappointing.  I thought it should have been better for $18 / BF.   

1. 
   mapleman | Nov 24, 2009 06:59am | #3

   Ken,

   Hearne's birdseye has always been a little on the lame and expensive side.

   If you are looking for mail order birdseye then call Allen Tomaszek in Milwaukee. Tell him exactly what you need and ask him to email pics.

   Allen Tomaszek[email protected]414-745-9656

   Also, try Sandy Pond Hardwoods in Pennsylvania. Been a few years since I have been there but they had a very nice selection then.

   Keep in mind that birdseye is graded a little differently in that you won't usually find anything in solid wood near as nice as you will in veneer.  People see veneer with a very high density of eyes and figure and that type of solid lumber is very hard to find and extremely expensive if you do find it.

    

   Good luck,

   Lee

    

    

    

1. 
   gvpencheff | Nov 24, 2009 11:21pm | #4

   Unfortunately Sandy Pond Hardwoods, just south of Lancaster PA appears to be out of business. 

1. 
   mapleman | Nov 25, 2009 04:23am | #7

   Wow! Sorry to hear that. They were one of my must-stops when I got up that way.

    

   Lee

2. 
   doug | Nov 27, 2009 10:33pm | #10

   Pencheff;

   You are unfortunately correct that Sandy Pond is out of business.  I spoke to the owner of the sawmill that is right in back of the building where Sandy Pond used to be, and he said that they folded last spring.  He said the flooring business was really bad and they just couldn't survive.  There is a guy in that building now who primarily saws old barn beams (primarily chestnut) and sells it.  There was no sign so I don't know the name of his business. 

   My son and I visited Groff and Groff this morning and they are happily still in business.  I did my best to help the state of PA with their tax revenues.

   Doug

3. 
   gvpencheff | Nov 28, 2009 02:01am | #11

   Thanks for comfirming that Doug.  What a shame!  I used to drop by Sandy Pond just to load up on odds and ends from their $1 a pound cutoff bin.  Now where am I gonna find cheap curly maple?

4. 
   doug | Nov 28, 2009 07:11am | #12

   Pencheff;

   My son and I stocked up on small pieces at Groff and Groff.  We got several really nice pieces of spalted maple for $5 - $10 each and several pieces of curly box elder as well.  These are small pieces, good for turning small bowls/platters and maybe big enough for the top for a jewelry box.  We also picked up 2 really nice walnut crotch pieces that were $15.  The best find was their dumpster where anything that we wanted to pick out of there was free.  We found a couple of things in there as well.

   Bob Hollister (http://www.hollistersawmill.com) in Columbia has really nice wood as well.  He is very reasonably priced and has a nice assortment of short pieces with lots of figure.  We are going to see him tomorrow.  His health hasn't been good so I wish him the best.

   My van will be loaded as we head back home to VA tomorrow evening.  Good luck.

   Doug

2. 
   mousejockey | Nov 25, 2009 12:32am | #5

   http://www.nwtimber.com/

    

   hold on to your wallet

   Over the Hill? What Hill? I didn't see any Hill!
3. 
   stantheman | Nov 25, 2009 03:17am | #6

   Belle Forest Products - I think they are in Michigan.  Also Porosky Hardwoods.  I don't have web addresses, but I'm sure you can google them up.

4. 
   auto | Nov 25, 2009 05:54am | #8

   A great place to get Figured Maple is through a mail order called Bell Forest Products its a really great place.its in Ishpeming, MI the web site is http://www.bellforestproducts.com

   they have pics of the actuall board that you want to buy. I highly recommend them

   Bart

5. 
   doug | Nov 26, 2009 06:50pm | #9

   Ken;

   Maple Leaf Hardwoods carries several different grades of curly maple.  Their website is http://www.curlymaple.com.  Tell Paul what you need and I am sure that he can help you.

   I am in Lancaster County visiting parents and family and will see if Sandy Pond Hardwoods is still open and if they are I'll post their contact info.  You can also try Groff and Groff lumber; http://www.groffslumber.com.  It is always fun to stop by and visit with them. 

   Have a great Thanksgiving.

   Doug