Replies

1. 
   jonna | Jun 04, 2004 01:49am | #1

   Larry,

   Haven't tried it, but I from an instructor at Woodcraft that Charles Horne Lumber is pretty good.  It's a wholesaler, but will work with the public "as long as you know what you're talking about" (per instructor)

   It's located at 2447 S. Damen

2. 
   tufenhundel | Jun 04, 2004 07:19am | #2

   Larry:

   Try Heidler Hardwood Lumber @ http://www.heidlerhardwood.com/Index.htm  Good selection, rough only.

   They mainly sell to production houses (their quote is for 1K bdft), but I've ordered several times from them.  I call them up and specify exactly what I need, and if they have it in stock, they'll pull it.

   Unfortunately, their warehouse is not very efficient.  If your order is small (say couple hundred bdft or so), and it is in the middle of the stack, then expect to wait several weeks for them.  I assume if the order is larger, they'll get to it sooner.  But I was told that they literally have to get the fork lift and move their inventory to get to the stuff in the center.  You can't go and pick your stock.  They call you when your order is ready for pick up. 

   They've been very good with getting me what I specify, so I've become a regular.  I am probably small fry to them, but I once complained about a board of African mahogany that was in with my order of sapele, and Scott Heidler himself fielded my complaint.

   I go to Owl as last resort.

3. 
   Ardito | Jun 04, 2004 05:32pm | #3

   I know the feeling.  I live REAL close to Owl in Des Plaines so it is really tempting to just go there, but there is this other place that I found that is really good.  In Chicago on Elston Ave. is a place called Wood World.  Very good selection...most often a better selection and price than Owl.  Give them a call and they can fax you a price list.

   Wood World Chicago - http://www.woodworld.com
   2228 N. Elston Ave
   Chicago, IL
   (773)227-6700

   Cheers!

   Dark Magneto

1. 
   larrmartin | Jun 04, 2004 05:43pm | #4

   Thanks very much. I tired Wood World some years ago at their place off Willow Road in Glenview but haven't been to the Elston location. I'll give them a new try.

1. 
   Ardito | Jun 04, 2004 05:54pm | #5

   I think the location in Glen View is now closed....but not 100% sure. 

   darkmagneto

1. 
   yotonyb | Jun 04, 2004 09:31pm | #6

   This is intended for Larry...I forgot to choose the receipient!

   I think Wood World moved from the 2200 block of Elston.  A quick internet search shows them a little further north on Elston up near Wellington.  I haven't been to the new location.

   In your neighborhood around Barrington, there's a guy on Route 14, near Woodstock, with a mill and a barn selling hardwood.  If you stay on 14, just north of the state line, in Walworth, Wisconsin, you'll find Badger Hardwoods.

   Some people in the area have used a guy named Meyer in West Chicago, down Route 59.  I think he has a mill and has an assortment of typical midwest hardwoods.  I have not gotten material from him.

   I visit Owl in Des Plaines frequently, and that's the key.  I don't mind paying retail when I can pick and choose the very best pieces of material.  Since most of my work is in quarter-sawn oak, I'll take the highly figured pieces of material any time I see them in the racks.

   Heidler has been very good, even on a 100bf order.  But it really is a wholesale/warehouse operation and you don't get the benefit of picking your material.  You gets what you gets, but generally at a better price than retail.  And it's not unusual for Skip or Scott to take your call.  But it's at 2600 SOUTH Damen which might not be convenient.  (The bridge is open and the street is once again paved...that's better than a few summers ago when the road construction made the area look like something pre-Chicago Fire!)

   I wouldn't get too focused on price.  Your time is more valuable than the material.  If you're willing to invest as much time as required to build something for yourself, your family, or a client, be willing to invest in the RIGHT piece of material.

   Good luck and good skill!

   tony b.

   Edited 6/4/2004 2:35 pm ET by YOTONYB

2. 
   toddhunter | Jun 04, 2004 09:32pm | #7

   The Wood World in Glenview is closed. There is a yard on I-94 near Racine Wisconsin that has been recommended to me and has a booth at the Odeum show. Can't recall the name offhand, but it may be worth the trip.  Here's my question. When are woodworker's in the north/nw suburbs going to start up a club? todd

1. 
   Ardito | Jun 04, 2004 09:58pm | #8

   AMEN Todd!  I have been looking around for a club in the NW Suburbs for a long time!  I think one needs to be started....anyone else out there?

   darkmagneto

4. 
   rachjon | Jun 05, 2004 05:02pm | #9

   Try Saunders Lumber Co., Inc in Addison, Michigan for oak . maple, walnut and sometimes others like birch, beech, honey locust

5. 
   mallard10 | Jun 05, 2004 05:14pm | #10

   Larry   There is a small place off 14 just south of havard , it's on the left side of the street as your heading toward Harvard. The place in WI> is Kettle Moraine Hard woods it's at seven mile rd. and 94, they have a much larger selection!                            Hope this helps Jerry                                                                                                                                 

1. 
   larrmartin | Jun 05, 2004 11:00pm | #11

   Thanks - worth taking a drive to see just what both of 'em have.