The cost of wood is crazy anymore...

[Joey V.]

Anyone have a good source for cheaper exotic wood other than ****?  I remember just 5 years ago woods like ebony being a quarter of the cost even at places like Rockler and Woodcraft.  I asked a guy at rockler why this is and they said wood turning is now the #1 hobby for wood worker hobbyists.  Drove the prices through the roof!

THX

[Paul/KS]

Hey, it's not like the stuff grows on trees ya know...
 

[Jeremy]

woodworkerssource.com has 4/4 ebony for $20 /bf (which is 2/3 of the price I was paying 5 years ago!)
Their prices are generally pretty good.

[JamesV]

I ordered 4 turning blanks from one of the bigger distibutors and got only two that could be used for riser material and they were marginal. I will never buy exotic wood I can't put my hand on first again............James

[JamesV]

Also ordered 2 pieces of hickory for a selfbow. Had knots and runout so bad I didn't even bother trying to use it. Most times you will get the sorriest piece they have in stock if you order online.

[getstonedprimitivebowhunt]

Try Berea Hardwoods Co. Inc. (Cleveland area)

bereahardwoods.com
1-877-736-5487

I used to live by them. I got some wild and crazy woods from all over the world from them.
 Its worth a try !

[Joey V.]

THX!!!

[Jeremy]

Originally posted by JamesV:
Most times you will get the sorriest piece they have in stock if you order online.

There are crap dealers out there, but the majority of specialty hardwood dealers make their living selling wood to custom furniture makers.  Word gets around quicky in those circles, just as it does in trad archery, and dishonest dealers don't stick around very long.  There was an article in a recent Fine Woodworking about buying wood online.

[George Tsoukalas]

Cost? I live in New England. I've got oak, black locust, etc growing in my backyard. I know it's tough elsewhere. Jawge

[Furtaker]

Try West Penn Hardwoods.I was just there this past weekend and saw a pallet of lumber that was marked to ship to wood craft, so west penn must be there supplier.HUGE PLACE. There prices seem pretty good and you can buy from there web site if you're not in driving distance to there shop.

[JamesV]

I agree if you are a major buyer you would get good material but the little guy that buys only a few pieces will most likely get junk.

[shamus]

The tropical rainforests are getting smaller (logging.. and cattle grazing for McDonald's beef patties).

So yeah, increased prices is not surprising.

[Cupcake]

I don't know how the prices compare but try Tropical exotic Hardwoods.

 http://www.anexotichardwood.com/

I live within driving distance and they have a lot of exotics.  If you want Cocobolo and Bocote they have a huge stock and will ship.