Comments on: Where to Buy Big Wood for Big Workbenches

By: Fred

Fred — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:06:53 +0000

Nice material. I lucked into a large quantity of Cherry from a former cabinet shop and a 30yr old maple table the homeowner left outside in the Florida sun. It was made by her husband that passed away. She donated the maple on the condition I made some cutting boards for her. The rest went into my bench along with the cherry. I hope to have it complete in the next few weeks
Fred
http://www.tampabaywoodworking.com

By: beaniebee

beaniebee — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:01:18 +0000

Question as a followup. What do you think of using reclaimed wood? I’ve been able to find some timbers that can be cut into 4×6 for my bench. The wood is from the 1900s. Since I am planning to put the bench in an unheated garage, I was thinking this might be a good option.

By: beaniebee

beaniebee — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 15:53:51 +0000

I’ve been able to find a source here in Illinois. However, it’s not kiln dry. My understanding is that putting the wood in the garage may not make it dry enough to use. So, it seems like this could be the best option. Any suggestions though on whether I’d be able to dry it successfully given the climate let me know. I cannot keep it outdoors in the sun.

By: pvanderlugt

pvanderlugt — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:06:03 +0000

I built my bench out of utility crossarms. The arms on their 138 kv h frame structures are 10′ clear fir, 4 X 6 clear fir. Their are some holes in them, where insulators were hung, etc., but planed smooth they are beautiful. Also, plus or minus your choice, they were creosoted when new, although I can’t smell any trace of it anymore. Typically they are taken down after 20 – 40 years of service.

Talk to your utility companies transmission engineering department.

By: SidneyM

SidneyM — Thu, 10 May 2012 03:07:25 +0000

A friend of mine found a business that ships in standard length laminated wood beams and cut these beams to length needed. The cut-offs were discarded. I ended up with a beam seven feet long and two feet wide and 4-inches thick. Already flat. I think it was SYP. Just had to trim the ends for a straight edge. Makes a nice benchtop with minimal effort. Just wish I took up his offer for more free pieces since I moved away.

Sidney

By: madhun

madhun — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:46:04 +0000

“Free” rarely is and the cost can be literally staggering. My neighbor traded a stack of mostly red, and some white 6×6 and 4×6 timbers for a half day of work on his house. He had rough sawn them years ago and they spent over a year in the corner of my shop acclimating. I spent nearly 70 hours planing the warp and twist out of them. And then there were the knots, checks, splits and pith. Can you say carpal tunnel? I have a great bench now but in retrospect I would gladly pay the $468+ for relatively clean, dry, quality lumber.

By: adifrot

adifrot — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:01:23 +0000

Also check the supply yards at local utility companies they have loads of waste timbers used as pipe supports and heavy pallet timbers.. FREE IS GOOD :>)

By: Jim McCoy

Jim McCoy — Wed, 09 May 2012 21:27:07 +0000

Hi Ray,
I live out east of Tijeras. I will check them out. Thanks for the tip.

Jim

By: rhyspinot

rhyspinot — Wed, 09 May 2012 16:58:13 +0000

This is great, thanks for getting it set up Chris. As a guy who’s summer project list includes a roubo bench, I’m going to be taking advantage of this one.

By: woodgeek

woodgeek — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:47:25 +0000

A few years ago, I used Ikea countertops to build the top of my Roubo-pattern bench. I went nuts and laminated 3 96″x26″x1-3/4″ beech countertops.