Sourcing 1/4" thick solid hardwood

[mmak2916]

Does anyone know a consistent source for 1/4" thickness solid hardwood (walnut, maple...) that are in sheets of 24"x18" so it fits in the ShopBot Desktop?

It just seems like a waste to plane down a 3/4" material to 1/4".

Thanks!

[srwtlc]

If you have a lumber supplier near you that has a resaw band saw, you could have them resaw it for you and then plane it the rest of the way. If you have your own band saw, you can resaw into thinner pieces or a combination of table saw with a thin kerf blade followed by the band saw to take out the smaller middle strip left from the band saw.

Keep in mind that resawn material (if wider) is likely to cup a fair amount.

Most places that have ready made thinner material also have a premium price on it.

[scottp55]

Margaret, Was hoping to find a source I didn't know about so didn't post:)
You're really going to pay a huge premium to get good 18" re-sawed solid hardwood(and I think a huge headache keeping it Flat).
IF you can break up your design into smaller sections, then a VERY good reliable supplier of thickness sanded high quality wood is Ocooch. Just talked to Ethan Friday and ordered $350 to be split shipped to our 2 shops in 4" wide exotics. NICE thing is they are 24" long for the "scroll saw ready" stock:) Perfect for Desktop. This was our 4'th order. Ships tomorrow.
http://ocoochhardwoods.com/scroll_saw_lumber.php
scott

[scottp55]

Oh,
10% price break at $200. 20% at $800.
Flat when shipped and dimensioning is Very close so far:)
Looks like about 220G sanding as shipped. For less picky people it would be ready for a finish on both faces.

[steve_g]

http://www.thinboards.com/ (http://www.thinboards.com/)

[scottp55]

Steve,
I've looked at them, but never placed an initial small order to check quality and consistency. I like their prices on some species.
Are they good to deal with? Was wondering if one side was sanded or both( I usually nest Real close to 0,0 and need the option to flip board to present best face or minimize heart/sap for consistency. Need a decent edge for jigging too.).
Always nice to have a second reliable supplier.
Oh, are the exotics usually in stock, how fast are they in shipping, and is it well package and flat?
Sorry for all the questions:(
Thanks,
scott

[steve_g]

Scott…
I was trying to remember who it was I purchased from many years ago. I haven’t bought from anyone in a long time, since I’ve had my big bandsaw… Their pricing “wheel” seems familiar.
I’m appalled at the price of thin woods, in general… makes me wonder if I’m in the wrong business! Anyone who needs a steady supply of a quantity of thin wood will be better off Re-sawing it himself!
SG

[scottp55]

Thanks Steve,
Yeah, Kirks Dad just bought a new bandsaw they're dedicating to resaw up to 12", but nobody near has exotics, so they'll just be doing our Maple,Walnut, and Cherry.
BUT, they have a place they know deep in the woods, where the hardwood loggers chainsaw away any burls(Maple) that will interfere with the load, and they just chuck it over a bank:)
A pick-up truck full of burl for free:):)

[steve_g]

Free Burl and a bandsaw… sounds like a business opportunity!
SG

[scottp55]

We'll see:)
100 miles from them and 60 of it is dirt. They've had -30F either actual or wind chill for weeks, then "Mud Season" then "Black Fly Season" so they may not get to it until it's "Tourist Season" :)