Replies

1. 
   boilerbay | Mar 16, 2008 05:46pm | #1

   2 1/2 hours isn't too bad if you can find the right place.

   Can't help you down Macon way but I used to live in Atlanta and there isn't much there. Kind of like looking for trout anywhere in Georgia.

   There is Highland Hardware over in Morningside (think Driving Miss Daisy). Their wood is little "spendy", but you don't go there for the wood!

   15 minutes north, on I-75,in Kennesaw is a great place. Prepare to be stunned at the range of species, quality and the quantity.

   http://www.peachstatelumber.com/home.html

   If you talk the talk, they will give it to you wholesale. If you walk the walk and come back with pictures, they will do even better. Join the Georgia Woodworker's Guild and tell them your a member. Ask them to send you a current "furniture list and prices".
   They were good people when I was there.

   Make you smile on the 2 hr/45 minute trip home :-)

   I have to drive 3-4 hours round trip on average here - south of Portland, Or.

   John

2. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Mar 16, 2008 05:57pm | #2

   Morning Phil...

   I am not aware of a source down in your neck of the woods. I am in Atlanta and will dis-agree with Boiler on not much there. I have been using Suwanee Lumber since 1978.. Peach-State as stated.. Atlanta Hardwoods and I forgot the name of the source over on the south side.

   You might give Bibb Tools a call over in Macon. They deal with a lot of WW's and may be able to put you on to something. The fact may be that there is no source down your way? Sounds like an opportunity for someone in that area that has some capital.

   BTW.. Steve Wall at Wall Lumber is highly tauted for his quality and ships to your door. I have bough from Steve... but I show up to pick as I just personally don't like to buy sight un-seen.

   Good luck...

   Sarge..

1. 
   boilerbay | Mar 16, 2008 06:19pm | #4

   Hey Sarge,Forgot about Suwanee Lumber. Didn't go there much so it dropped off my radar. I always found Atlanta Hardwoods overpriced and hostile to smaller quantity buyers. They are one of Big Orange's key vendors. Maybe just me. I used to use Steve also. The first time, unseen, was a good experience. 2nd-so so. Feel better going in person.Doc

1. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Mar 16, 2008 09:42pm | #5

   Afternoon Doc...

   I agree about Atlanta Hard-woods being high. Peach State is above the Suwanee Prices also, but has about every exotic you can think of. But IMO.. still not as high as Atlanta Hardwood.

   I have Georgia Hard-wood up the road about 13 miles in Buford, Ga. There selection to the public is not good and they are high. They sell to local cabinet shops in their area but not many high-end shoips. Not my cup of tea.

   I have been using Suwanee since 1978 and prices are as good as they get in this area.. customer service is excellent and they allow you to go down and hand pick. You can spend the day going through if you wish. Its about 12 miles from my shop. Just bring a sandwich for lunch.. a timber-check moisture meter and your own tape and you're covered for the day if you like. Helps to bring a truck also.  ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..

   Regards and Semper Fi, Doc...

   Sarge..

1. 
   phil_d | Mar 17, 2008 07:07am | #6

   Thanks folks.   The 2 1/2 hour trip I referred to was to Peach State Lumber.  They have been great!  Maybe I can convince them to open an outlet in Dublin.   The good folks at Highland tipped me off the Suwanee, but I have not made it up there yet.  I do appreciate the advice regarding Atlanta Hardwood, however, and it may be an expensive destination for a long drive.  I did the yellow pge search in Savannah, and nothing even comes up there.  Same in Agusta.  The source south of Atlanta that got mentioned may be the operation that had their phone disconnecded in Jackson or Griffin.

   I'm one of those guys who likes to see what I am going to put into my projects.  I'm just glad I don't depend on this for a living.  I'd rather saw than drive.

   Now, if you want SYP, this is hog heaven.  I'm a damn yankee, and never saw clear pine up in New England for the price you pay here. 

    Phil D.

3. 
   frenchy | Mar 16, 2008 06:04pm | #3

   PhilD

     2 1/2 hours to the city?  that means you are traveling a long way to pay retail prices..

      I just posted an answer to screenname, the post above , frustrated with wood prices.. please go read that..   the potential savings are massive!

   
   

   ---

   Edited 3/16/2008 11:10 am ET by frenchy

1. 
   phil_d | Mar 17, 2008 07:26am | #7

   Frenchy

   Thanks for the idea in the other post.  It feeds into something else I had on my mind, something like a local (recreational woodworking) craft guild.

   You suggestion is based upon having some friends.  Thay would require me to get my butt out of my shop and go get some.

   Seriously, thanks for the very different solution.  You have me thinking....

   Phil D

1. 
   donr | Mar 29, 2008 11:18pm | #8

   Phil_D

   I was reading different Blogs and found yours.  I work for a stair manufacuter ,PHX, in Kennesaw, who also does commercial and residential finish carpentry.  We just shut down our molder a few months ago and we have 500 to maybe 1000 bd ft of nice mahog in 5/4 up to some 8/4  that Rex Pope the plant General Manager wants to sell as we no longer do custom moldings and shapes.  We don't normally sell to the public, but you can call Rex at 770-420-0660.  I bought a pallet of poplar for well under market and you may find what we have interesting.  Give him a call and see if you want any of this material.  We are looking at maybe $3,000 to $4000 for a huge pile of nice materials.

4. 
   screename56 | Mar 30, 2008 06:03am | #9

   Phil D

   If you have not already, you should look on "craigslist.com".  If you click on Georgia, then click on Atlanta, you will get the search key.  Type in "lumber" and you will find a number of mini-mills surrounding Atlanta with prices for hardwood lumber  (cherry, oak, poplar, walnut,etc...) well below any price you will find retail.  It would be worth the drive from wherever you are.  Some offer kiln dry and others have lumber that has been air dried for some time.

   If you choose to go this route, I would be interested in hearing about what you found out, The prices being charged would make it worth my while to drive to the Atlanta area from my area (NE Fla.)  for some material if your report is good. My e-mail is available in my profile.

   Regards, Screename56

1. 
   phil_d | Apr 04, 2008 11:48am | #10

   Good Morning

   I just learned about Craig's List from my son over Easter weekend, and will try you suggestion.   However, I did have a response from someone else here that helped me out with some suggestions on local mills, much as you described.  Circumstances have not allowed me to track any down just yet, but when I do, I will in deed post some results here on this thread.  I have one particular source that sounds promising here in Dublin.

   Phil

1. 
   screename56 | Apr 05, 2008 02:52am | #11

   Thanks PhilD,

   I hope to hear from you  soon,

   Screename56