Woodworker's Journal 1993-17-4, страница 4

Shoptalk

Where's The Wood?

For most woodworkers, a foray into the shop is a welcome respite from worldly concerns. Here, finally, is a place where the culture shock of the nightly ne»v and the latest tremors of the economy do not intrude. Somehow, the familiar rhythms of working a plane or chopping a mortise impart a satisfaction that has little to do with politics or money.

But this spring, many woodworkers had a harsh shock when they went to the local lumberyard. Board loot prices for everything from pine to cherry had skyrocketed. The culprit, it turned out. was an unlikely marriage of politics and the weather. Destructive Hast Coast storms coupled with uncertainty over a new administration's policies toward forestry management had caused panic buying in the commodities markets, where lumber is a commodity just like gold, pork bellies or soybeans. Although the most publicized impact of the skyrocketing lumber price was the effect on home builders, ultimately, everyone who uses wood or wood products fell the pinch. And the prices for hardw<xxl rose in sympathy w ith the rises in construction lumber.

We don't usually think of it as a commodity, bin wood like other commodities—is subject to the laws of supply and demand. Long before even the latest increases, a shrinking supply of hardwood forests, and the growing demand from commercial furniture makers and hobbyists has been pushing prices ever higher. Today, a few choice boards can quickly add up to over SKX). And. for a project that requires SKX) worth of wood. we'll likely have to buy at least SI 40 worth of stock, given the typical 30 percent waste that we can expect,

So what are the options? For many, their first thought is to cull slock from sources like pallets, salvaged wxxxl or perhaps that choice walnut tree on .1 nearby fencerow. But this first thought may not be the best, as Roger Holmes points out in his article "How To Buy Wood." Roger explores all ihc options in this often humorous article, and draws some distinct conclusions. I11 one seminal experience, after a week of "inelegant hacking * while trying to construct a workbench from a pile of pallets. Roger was left w ith "a visceral understanding of why some wood deserves to end up in pallets."

As the logical response to all these pressures, woodworkers have been taking advantage of alternate sources. One popular new option is the emergence of a service that puts together "stock kits" for specific projects I see page 35 for details). Although the business has only I veil around for about a year, woodworkers across the country have responded favorably. In this issue, kits are specified for two projects—the Classic Corner Cupboard and the Aerobic Step.

More. More, More

No matter how many projects we shoehorn into every issue, invariably, "more projects" is right at the top of the list of w hat readers tell us they want more of. Although our inventory of hack issues is thinning, one source you can rely 011 for out-of-print projects is our books. One of my favorites is the recently reissued !Gl Projects I'or Woodworkers. From a classic Rolltop Desk to plenty of country projects, toys and novelties, this volume is a true treasure trove of woodworking inspiration and project plans. You won't be disappointed!

Editor iiihl Publish 1 James ,1. McQuillan ift//uii.'i'!v EJn. i Thomas <;. Hegnal Associate Kilirm David K Peters Copy Edin>i kimherly iiellatly Contrihulina Editors Jim Barrett, Kick and Kllctt Bui/, Dennis Preslon. Robert J, Hlavacek, Sr.

An Dtmtor Dan Thornton

Asm*1 iaie An Director and

PhoMxiaplier Michael (.Hl.nh

Or.\ifinerX raitsman Mark J, Zioliw

Circulation Promotion Manager Lvnne Slrttier

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