Going to a Hardwood Store for the First Time | What it's Really Like

[@731Woodworks]

5 Hardwood Buying Mistakes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pn7YlYChmKlnb5I

[@welshknight1456]

I've often wondered why Americans call their sizes with smallest number first e.g. 2x4 whereas in UK they call it by biggest number first e.g. 4x2

[@Bark-to-Bed-Woodworking]

This is one of the most educational videos for beginner woodworkers on KZbin. You went straight to the source and he educated us so well on hardwood. I know that I definitely felt intimated even thinking about going to shop at one of these lumber stores. Thanks Matt for making this video for all of us and Mark for being such a gentleman and walking us thru the process of buying hardwoods. I live in NJ I will definitely be ordering from him one of those kits to make my first cutting board. 👊

[@731Woodworks]

Glad it was helpful 👊

[@BarkingBeavers]

I completely agree.

[@kevinwiley5325]

One of the best things I ever did is walk into a hardwood store and tell the fron tdesk guys "hey guys I'm a new woodworker and have never bought hardwood before. Can you help me?". People are always happy to help a beginner who asks for it.

[@731Woodworks]

For sure! Most love to share their knowledge and help.

[@holtscustomcreations]

Recently on the privilege of taking my daughter to buy rough son lumber for a project we're working on. It was an eye-opening experience for and a lot of for me.

[@evilgoatgarage4193]

I went to my local woodcraft and those guys were awesome I wanted some cut off pieces to use to practice with on my cnc and they hooked me up and gave me a ton of tips glad I went there instead of lowes

[@deusvult6920]

Plus they have an interest seeing you grow.

[@bcc5701]

@@deusvult6920 thats what I kinda thought. Im finally setting up my garage corner and gettin all my tools together and hoping to be visiting some lumber places next week. If they get me going right ill be loyal for life.

[@tedalmeida]

I live in Bentonville and just getting started with wood working. This video was a home-run for me.

[@wilsonroadwoodworks]

I'm rather puzzled by why ten people would thumbs-down this video. It was well produced, provided clear answers to what I imagine to be common questions, and didn't have a bunch of idle chit-chat. Perhaps they are more advanced and didn't like it because they already know the answers, but in that case they should just stop watching. Some folks just gotta be haters! Great job Matt & Thanks for all you do for the community!

[@missygold9315]

Jealousy

[@07zx6stunter]

Those 10 people probably hate cops.!! So they hate that he builds thin blue line flags.. it’s ok though there’s enough of us who support Matt and his channel and stand behind him in why he became a woodworker. From one Officer to another- love your channel Matt.!! Keep up the good work.

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you

[@charlesdenny2925]

I loved the comment near the end when doing the bundles Matt you said that you could arrange them in whichever order your wife wants. hahahahaaa

[@gaylewilliams7353]

Working the Grain is only a 20 minute drive from my house but I didn't know about them until you told me, Matt. Thanks! I've been there twice in the last two weeks. Great selection, great service!!!

[@BirrDetonator1989]

You guys have no idea how lucky you are to have this stock so close to home. Some beautiful woods

[@evelynmueller6523]

found a ton of value in this video...I'm one of those beginners that feel a little small walking into a place like this....thanks for the tips !

[@Mr.GucciClass1A]

Mark was amazing. His knowledge and soothing voice, and demeanor automatically make me feel like I’d want to chat with him and not feel intimidated going to his store. Thanks for the segment; this was very cool.

[@bledrestman]

I've only just started with woodworking. After working in IT for years I need something to keep me out of computers and so far I am absolutely in love with the craft. This is a great video for anyone learning about the differences in wood and what wood to pick for projects. Right now I'm just using construction grad 2x4s lol.

[@danielhayes8558]

This is such a great idea for a video and you're the first I've seen make one. I was just complaining about how intimidating lumber yards can be. I eventually emailed one and let them know my questions may be extremely basic, but to answer them like I was a 5 yr old. They were very helpful and made me feel more comfortable about it. I was upset that they wouldn't give me a price list even though I told them I knew the prices constantly changed and they still gave me prices for the 6 woods I specifically asked about. It would be really nice starting out to just have a general idea of wood costs in my area for certain species. Very cool that he provides that list. Also learned not everything should go through my benchtop planer and some woods need to be cleaned before glue ups. GREAT VIDEO!

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you. Glad the video was helpful to you 👊🏻

[@The_Conqueeftador]

Just wait till you get into serious art form lathe turning. Then the true wood hunt begins.

[@Stewarts_Woodworks]

Thanks Matt for such an informative video. As a “newer” woodworker, this answered several of the hardwood questions that I still had unanswered or unsure. You were spot-on with all your questions and Mark was obviously an expert in his field. Really enjoyed the hardwoods tour also, and had to hit “pause” again and again to read all the cool hardwoods’ information. Been enjoying all of your interview videos. Take care and God bless!

[@tigerdoc1846]

This is probly the best and most informational videos I’ve seen. Thank you!

[@RKELLEHER40]

Howdy, Brother! I truly appreciate y'all taking to time to introduce local hardwood stores. Mark, the owner of Working The Grain Hardwoods is very knowledgeable and a fantastic resource.

[@lawrencelunsford6028]

My hardwood dealer is about 45 minutes from me and is a great guy. All his wood is rough cut, he can surface it for a fee but I've never checked in to that. He also has a "bargain" area with wood that has more knots, splits, etc. that he sells for roughly half of usual board foot price and a bin pallet of useable cutoffs for $1.00 each piece. It helps also to take a tape measure in with you so you can kind of figure out roughly what each board costs so you don't get sticker shock at checkout! :)

[@billgalster1674]

A

[@IvanWizard-Karl]

this dude seems very chill and knowledgeable, wish he worked in the yards in my area haha

[@nickmyatt]

I went into my first dedicated hardwood store last week. I noticed nothing had a price or information. When I asked the employee there he looked at me like I was an idiot and pretty much refuse to help me. I walked out. Today I went into a different hardwood sore and it was the exact opposite. Everything was labeled with a price. The employees were super friendly and helpful and even offered to teach me about some of the woods. I definitely think that there are stores or beginner Woodworkers and there are stores that could care less about beginning Woodworkers. I watched this after going to the first store buy before going to the second store. The small amount of knowledge this video contains is extremely valuable to a new woodworker. Thanks clamps.

[@731Woodworks]

Glad to help!

[@bellevuesnekkeri]

Thanks Matt for this informative video. Wish I lived close to this store. Mr. Puente has such a relaxing and calm appearance, and NO ONE should be afraid to walk into their hardwood store. This gentleman seems like the best company rep ever.😀👍

[@markpuente5569]

Thank you for your kind words

[@garysheppard4028]

Such a different scene from my local timber merchant. Here they have imported woods like walnut, oak cherry etc but the local ones like blackwood, redgum, ironbark, silky oak, blackbutt, bloodwood, jarrah, karri are what they specialise in. The northern hemisphere species are nice to work with as they tend to be softer than the local woods. From my experience, broadly speaking, the hardest northern hemisphere woods are about the same as the softest local ones. They tend to dull blades pretty fast but if you keep things in check the stuff you make from them will last for ever.

[@ConceptXX]

Skimming through comments and spotted ironbark. I don’t really know anything about timber in general. except I do know that ironbark was our street name as a kid (Bendigo). I’ve searched a little bit on the subject recently, while looking to buy something other than mdf for the first time. Jurrah has come up a few times and seems well regarded. Walnut and oak feature in everything I’ve read or watched. Do you have any references for basic learning material that’s a bit more locally focused lol I’ll also accept personal recommendations for products for a noob! 😂 truthfully I find the range of just pine confusing by itself! That’s my next purchase but I’d like to get a small piece of hardwood to play with. Ps how does tassie oak differ to every other oak? Cheers in advance 😅

[@garysheppard4028]

@@ConceptXX Ironbark is just another species of gumtree. Hard AF though. Like most of them! Most of the youtube woodworking videos you'll see feature American wood species as most KZbinrs are based there. Oz has a tiny fraction compared to them so that reflects in the number of local youtube channels. But I'd suggest going to you local timber merchant and asking for advice. I use Anagote in Marrackville in Sydney. The wood you want will depend very much on personal preference and what you're building. I started out with radiata pine from Bunnings as I was only learning then. But I've since found that my two favourites are now Huon Pine (expensive and rare) and Blackwood. But Red Gum, Blackbutt, Brush Box, Jarrah etc all all great. Tassie Oak is another name for Victorian Ash. It's a hardwood and available at Bunnings. It's not a "real" oak as that is a northern hemisphere species.

[@robertmcevoy24]

Valuable information Matt , I was looking at the website of all the hardwoods he sells. There is some import information about each type of wood and how it can affect your health. It is so important when cutting exotic wood to mask up and have good ventilation, and take time to wash your hands and arms when finished. I mask up for every wood and I’m installing a hanging air filter . 👊🏻

[@731Woodworks]

👊

[@michella0909]

Thank you for the very valuable info to a "very beginner". A hardwood store is somewhere I have not yet visited because I am the lack of information I have. Now I think im equipped with the correct questions and lingo. Thanks again!

[@micheleromaine7782]

Oh I was so relieved to hear the gentleman say “that if you are not getting the information that you need then that might not be the outlet for you to shop with”🤔. I visited a yard 3 separate occasions and every time the OWNER made me feel like I wasn’t welcomed or I was a bother and looked at me like I was asking stupid questions. This store was convenient on my travels so I made sure to give it a few chances cuz maybe he was just having a bad day…..but I WILL gladly go out of my way to visit another dealer who will have more respect for their customers and be happy to answer my questions that may be stupid to someone who answers those questions every single day but not to me if I don’t have that knowledge yet. So like I said thanks for letting me feel relieved cuz It has honestly bothered me and have second guessed myself when deciding on accepting a job that required hardwood for the build

[@CarlYota]

That’s probably because a lot of lumber yards aren’t in the business of selling makers three perfect boards for thier next mid century modern KZbin build. They sell wood by the hundreds and thousands of board feet and just load up trucks with pallets. They aren’t traditional stores. This is why non commercial customers don’t like them. This video completely misses the point of why people are intimidated by hardwood dealers. The same is true for all commercial suppliers. They sell at low prices to professionals that buy tons of product. It’s not so much that the little guy doesn’t know what he wants. It’s the fact that you’re not placing an order for 400 board feet.

[@TheKirk48]

I ordered an Arkie Cutting board kit from Mark at WTG, great product and super price. Highly recommended.

[@731Woodworks]

Great to hear!

[@slove120031]

Woodworker here Just moved to Bentonville, cant wait to go check this place out. Thanks for the great information.

[@731Woodworks]

Have fun!

[@elitelawn9547]

A lot of good things to know abouw choosing hardwoods.👊😎

[@rhaynes4]

Very helpful. Thanks for sharing and thanks to Mr. Mark for investing his time in this community.

[@jrod5113]

Thank you for this video...man I wish we had a lumber store like this in South Texas.

[@johnmanfra4224]

What a great video! I've been looking for a video like this for a long time. I'm happy I follow you and I'm happy you went out of your way to find someone to actually explain this stuff to

[@bigdogwdc]

Now I know how much I don’t know about hardwood, wow! You know? Excellent information and thanks for sharing. That guy was awesome and had plenty to share.

[@731Woodworks]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@markgrowden3418]

I’m not even through with the video and had to post. THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO! It has answered many of of concerns with hardwoods. I have been building out my shop, and now I am ready to start woodworking! Thank you!

[@Whiskeywoodworks]

Thanks Matt for this video!! 🎉 very informative

[@libertylumberworks]

I like the idea of a sample pack. This would be fantastic for customers to see ideas of what they can get. Great idea....

[@houseofnambili]

Wow! This was an amazing crash course on hard woods! I definitely feel confident to shop at my local hard wood store for my work bench project! Thank you both so very much for sharing this information!

[@michaelprislovsky7463]

Working the grain was my first experience with a hardwood store and they must have made a great impression because 3 years later I'm hooked! Can't wait to go back! Another amazing hardwood store in the area is op hardwoods in Springfield. Super knowledgeable there aswell. 10/10 recommend both businesses

[@crustycurmudgeon2182]

Been a fan for a few months, just found this one. That was GREAT! The absolute most informative I've seen of any YT video discussing hardwoods. TYSM, Matt, for producing this!

[@befmx31]

Thanks for this. The variety packs definitely peaked my interest.

[@snowmannorman8588]

I really appreciate the t-shirts you wear!! They tell a needed story! Merry Christmas!

[@JasonPeltier]

Excellent video, Matt! I absolutely love bloodwood. The chatoyancy that it has is amazing! It shines bright in the direct sunlight. And so in learning how to work with it, I found out that it has a lot of oils in the surface like your friend was talking about. Acetone is the solution! I pour some on the bloodwood and the clear acetone turns blood red just like the wood. Then once the wood gets a little "dull", I know I can start my 7 coats of 100% pure tung oil. Try it out on one of your mallet builds!

[@csranch2000]

Great video Matt. I have had several questions that were answered in your video. Thanks for taking the time to do a video for those of us intimadated by the rough cut lumber. I was not aware they would do s3s on hardwood. Makes not having a jointer not so big of a problem.

[@731Woodworks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markp6062]

Very Informative. thanks for sharing!

[@scorpiorican09]

Priceless content! ✊🏼🪵🪚🔨

[@731Woodworks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@curtislondon4642]

A much need and amazing video Sir. Thank you very much

[@731Woodworks]

Glad you liked it

[@hansdegroot8549]

Very interesting video. Thanks for sharing.

[@mmccorm30]

Man I miss living in Knoxville! They have a massive hardwood store there. I used to go once or twice a week for projects and I'd just end up spending like 2hrs touching everything lol.

[@roryarsenault7262]

Such a helpful video for people like me who are new to woodworking. Thanks so much for creating this video.

[@731Woodworks]

Glad you enjoyed it! Here is another great one with Mark kzbin.info/www/bejne/pn7YlYChmKlnb5I

[@roryarsenault7262]

@@731Woodworks I'll check it out, thanks.

[@keithatkins7883]

I just recently discovered Woodcraft and have only been to their website a few times. I do want to go to the store to check it out and since I live only about 45 minutes away I will be able to do that. However, your video and information have been very helpful and now I know what to expect. Thanks for the video and these type of videos will be very helpful.

[@keithc6370]

Thanks for doing this particular video. Answered a lot of my hardwood questions, and I'll check out his site.

[@robwiencek9608]

Thank you so much for this video!! My mind was blown a couple times. The explanations were very understandable!! Best hardwood video I’ve watched!!

[@731Woodworks]

Mark is a natural born teacher. He's got a gift for sure!

[@brandonhuisenga739]

man, what a great and informative video. I recently made my first trip to a hardwood dealer and i felt super anxious about it. This video address almost everything i was anxious about. you're awesome.

[@tommythompson6278]

Excellent information Matt!

[@731Woodworks]

Appreciate it!

[@DustyBootsWoodcraft]

Thank you, I learned more about wood in the 20 minutes than in the last few years!

[@5four]

wow ... a wealth of knowledge right there . thanks for the hardwood tutorial !

[@kyleglueckert6346]

I appreciate you taking the time and making this video. It was very educational and a lot of helpful information. This was a great idea for a video and looking for more educational and informative ideas you come up with. Thank you again Matt.

[@731Woodworks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrCpumedic]

Excellent video, information is shared very well - will be visiting Mr. Mark to purchase. Thank you Matt & 731 Woodworks Team for putting this together!

[@williamkimmins3737]

This is really helpful. I have been building decent looking stuff from home center lumber for years but finally moved to a place where I have a couple of premium hardwood dealers within easy driving distance. I felt that "what if I look dumb" thing, and there's a lot to think about when you go in. This was great.

[@ransomecuffy9999]

Thanks for that video. I normally don't comment on posts, but, this is very informative. I've started watching your videos. Thanks for the knowledge.

[@731Woodworks]

I appreciate that!

[@ransomecuffy9999]

@@731Woodworks since watching your video, I ventured to an exotic lumber retailer on Monday. Trip turned out very well. Purchased some Walnut, Purpleheart and Sappelle. Going to try my hand at cutting board. Thanks again.

[@stevenfernandez4787]

really good video. more info than ive gotten out of a video in a long time if ever

[@BroRiv]

Placed my order with WTG. Customer service FAR EXCEEDS that in the DFW area. Worth the shipping!

[@nycenj3974]

Absolutely one of the best videos I've ever seen... Fantastic fellas thank you... 🤙

[@SongvilayFilms]

Man that purple heart lumber is beautiful!!!!

[@necrojoe]

I only have 2 places that sell anything more exotic than poplar or red oak and walnut besides Woodcraft and Rockler ($$$). The frustrating thing is, that both of these lumber sources are staffed by people who hate questions, or at least act like your question is a bother. Or, they answer your question in a "you should feel bad about not knowing this" sort of way, or just the general chest-poker type of personality. In 20 years, I've never come across an employee as kind and helpful as this man clearly is.

[@manuelrosquete6818]

Pretty good video , I really liked it 👍🏻

[@robertlee7089]

Very educational. Thank you.

[@731Woodworks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@shelliehamm6381]

I LOVE making projects from spalted maple that I have on my own property in the Pacific Northwest. This was an a appreciated video. Now I want to make a cutting board out of all those African woods. Thanks for sharing!

[@dennydietrich3596]

Very informative & helpful video.

[@731Woodworks]

Glad you think so!

[@mikebechtel5900]

Thank you for this it helps me so much. I will definitely be getting some from Matt he seems so trustworthy.

[@mikebechtel5900]

I'm sorry I mean Mark

[@robeastwood4918]

This was so educational and I'm saving this one for future reference! Thanks so much for making this video!

[@731Woodworks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@beverleythomas5708]

I've been wondering for so long what Yellowheart wood was. I even wondered if it was Greenheart, at which point I could not understand why you would put it in a cutting board (Greenheart is toxic). Good to find out that it is actually Mora. Purpleheart, Greenheart, & Mora all grow in my country (Guyana, South America).

[@YoungAmericanOutback]

Awesome video!! I’m a hobby woodworker, and thinking about starting to sell some stuff. I live in Bentonville so I will 100% buy from this guy. I’ve been looking for a place to buy other than Lowe’s. Thank you for this video!!

[@731Woodworks]

Definitely go see Mark. They'll take care of you!

[@rogercowart2493]

Enjoyed the video so much . Great questions and answers. Mark is so knowledgeable on wood. Thanks so much for sharing. I love your channel. 👍😉

[@sturnz7537]

Thank you for this video for multiple reasons, (1) I am new and looking for a hardwood dealer close to me and (2) explaining some of the wood types, sizes and all the other stuff us noobs need to know

[@mmadridyt]

Matt, Great, informative video. A lot of good info for a new woodworker. His explanation of thickness sizes was clear, but I believe what was failed to be mentioned was that F3S, or S3S, S2SL1E, is also not a true dimension. Because of the surfacing 4/4 boards are 13/16", 5/4=1 1/4", 6/4 = 1 1/2", etc. This is pretty standard in the Hardwood Industry. I got caught with this when I was starting out, on an outdoor table project for a family member. Was a great learning experience, though.

[@731Woodworks]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks

[@JayBergCustoms]

That's probably one of the most misunderstood things about the quarter system. It is possible, though, that this distributor is selling S3S 1" thick stock as 4/4, but the price would reflect that as a premium in the end, since the pre-milled wood would have been thicker. I can't tell you how many times I've been to my local lumber yard and seen people measuring boards to compare to the BF number on the board itself, and then arguing with the staff.

[@barklordofthesith2997]

I'm very glad to have followed your channel a while back and stumbled across this video. I drive very near to this shop almost daily and more than likely will be buying from them on the regular (assuming that my projects sell) Thanks.

[@mm0901]

What a great video, very informative. Mark has such a soothing, calming voice… and you speak calmly as well… was a very nice contrast to some of the woodworking videos that use heavy metal music and high energy speaking, sometimes yelling, to get their info across. Just subscribed!

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks so much!

[@instantartwood]

This is the best woodshop ever and I get 80% of my wood from there. Also the shop is only 15 minutes away from my house.

[@731Woodworks]

nice

[@coleasikes]

Very helpful and informative video! I'm new to woodworking and it's nice that Mark's shop is only 15 minutes away from my house here in Bentonville! Can't wait to go explore, buy and learn more. Thanks for the video

[@martinwebb7294]

Matt, Thank you so much for this video. I live in NWA, Fayetteville to be exact, so am a lot closer to this dealer. I won't feel so intimidated when I go to his store.

[@731Woodworks]

Great! For sure go see them. They are very friendly and welcoming and will answer any question you have.

[@stevemcmillan3222]

outstanding video you truly helped me out with this video....gonna order some stuff from this place!!

[@json218]

Awesome video, thanks for answering my questions man!

[@carasmussen27]

thank you. I learned the hard way about not sending maple through the planer. I hope I can still salvage the wood. I think maybe wood filler? They have some tearout

[@731Woodworks]

if the boards are short enough (not too short) you can send them through the planer at a slight angle and it will help with the tear out

[@pecosR0B]

excellent information, going to try and go by a local place I've only seen online and needed to know a little bit about visiting a hardwood dealer!

[@natehaack4999]

As a fairly new woodworker looking to take it to the next level with hardwoods, I loved this. Great idea, so much good information. Thank you, Matt.

[@731Woodworks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jimmyPOUFAJones]

one of the most informative yet.

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks Jimmy!

[@mikecrockett3669]

Great info. Thank you very, very much.

[@731Woodworks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@GraffWoodshop]

Very informative. Thanks for doing this interview! Looking forward to more videos like this in the future.

[@barrettbryan8905]

That’s a decent drive for you up there! Love the scenery once you get north west of where I’m at in Cabot! I’ll have to check out WTG when I’m up that way next! Thanks for the share!

[@eddiethomason_]

Love this video!!!! I actually had a padauk board delaminate!!! Great tip with the acetone!

[@r.burger991]

This was a great interview and video! Very informative. Well done!!!

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks so much!

[@GrantHendrick]

Very interesting and helpful video. Thank you.

[@justinbaird_]

Huge value from this video, thanks Matt!

[@731Woodworks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@milesbauerdesigns]

This is a great video! Super informative and helpful to us newer woodworkers, unfamiliar with hardwoods. Thank you very much to you and Mark for taking the time to explain some of the most common questions and confusing terminology. Much appreciated, and now I feel fairly comfortable to go to a hardwood store or purchase some from him online!

[@731Woodworks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mysticvalleywoodworks2777]

Very informative... thanks Brother 😊

[@rogut8]

What a great episode. Thank you

[@jasonnichols7067]

I was just at that store today. Definitely going back.

[@gsnad]

Man, this is such a great video! Lots of great information, and I've learned a lot

[@731Woodworks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jezaelp]

Hey Matt. Amazing information for the beginners like me. Dios te bendiga hermano. ( God bless you Brother) Please keep up the good work, you be taking many people on a amazing journey.

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you

[@kumosworkshop]

Great video, brother. Love the short, by the way. 🤙🏽

[@kevinrich4637]

Great information! Thanks Matt!

[@joflo308]

Thanks for the metric system 😀

[@peteg4526]

I wish I’d watched this video 3 weeks ago. I made a trip to a local woodworking store and bought two boards because I’ve been fighting warping, and cupping with boards from the big box store. I bought two pieces, one poplar and one Angelique (I just liked the way it looked). After watching this video I looked at both boards. It looks like the poplar was cut from the dead center of the tree and has the core of the tree right down the middle. My goal is to build some picture frames so I can cut my pieces from the outside of the board and put the center in the burn bucket (or maybe buy a plane and learn how to use it). I’m going to make my first trip to a real lumberyard this week and I feel a little better prepared for it.