This question has been on my mind for some time. I wanted to get the wisdom of knots to help me.
Hardwood lumber grading states that 1&2 Common have 66 2/3% Clear, and First and seconds are 83 2/3% Clear. I have seen First and Seconds at twice the price of the lower grade, for 25% more clear wood.
I know it will be harder to get big clear sections for long boards, and more prep work due to more waste. Other than that, are there other reasons to pay for the more expensive lumber?
Replies
renthal ,
It really depends on what you are doing with it . If mfg wood products often shorts can be used as parts to eliminate waste .
As a shop owner I learned it was cheapest to start with the best I could get , often the lower grades are the same wood and color and figure just does not make grade for various reasons . When ripping stiles and rails for doors and drawer fronts and ff material you want pretty good stuff .
On furniture pieces often you can use the common grades and get the most out of each board. So it takes me more time to get the lower grades ready to use and often the waste is higher % wise so in the end in general I'm better off for less time and waste and a job in motion to use the better grades .
dusty,boxmaker
It really depends on what you are doing with it . ... Right on.
One of the reasons I like my local hardwood supplier (OK so no other nice place near me within 100 miles) ;>)
They put out all sorts of odd sizes. Length and thickness. Very reasonable cost and some really nice 'sticks' they could sell at premium prices if they took the time to do it. I would suppose the 'time' is more expensive to them that the wood.
I always go through the 'seconds'. Not sure they have any #1 common though. I find many beautiful useful pieces that cost maybe One or two dollars.
Sometimes I leave with more of the so called junk that what I really went there for. Only thing I won't take is warped or twisted stuff.
I have to admit I have alot of those that were never used.
As said depends what you are doing? Lower grades are good for cut up parts or do things to highlight it! something out of the box. Some times you can get some wild grains as the mill guys don't want it.
One time I was makeing a head board, and they wanted a curved top rail. I was sorting through the pile and I found a bowed but flat piece that was just perfect radius and flowing grain. I didn't need to buy something 4 inches wider and cut it off to make the curve.So use the lesser for the cut ups and pay for the " Show Face"
I didn't need to buy something 4 inches wider and cut it off to make the curve.
I have some Panga-Panga just like that. Everybody looked and left it for ME!
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled