Supplies (Deal!)

[Jim McDonald]

JediScroller recently posted about high priced lumber at the big box stores and I am guilty of having bought many pieces at those places and paying the higher prices.

Today, I was working on another idea and decided to see if the local Habitat for Humanity thrift store might have what I needed. They did indeed have it, at a good price, but once I got my hands on it and started to think about using it, I decided it would not work, so I set out browsing.

I found shaker cans of lacquer for $3, some ends and pieces of 1/2"X6Xvarious oak and some small pieces of good one side oak plywood for $1 to $1.50 each. I would have paid close to $6 for the lacquer and easily $3 to $5 (each) for the wood and still not had the oak plywood, had I stopped at the big box.

Granted, the oak may not be the absolute top grade, but it is for a "cost or free" project for the high school library and will be painted anyway. The lacquer is a brand I don't normally use, but for half price--I'll give it a try.

Like any outlet type store, the selection changes rapidly, but there was a large selection of Cabot® stains and finishes, as well as some Varathane and lots of different paints as well as mouldings and other assorted stuff we all use regularly--at prices that are far below retail and the profits of the center go to a good cause, so it's worth making the effort to take a look and see what you can find. Hours vary, but take a chance and maybe save yourself a little money.

Just added a blog entry on this topic.--Jim

[wood-n-things]

I decided it would not work, so I set out browsing.

You mean browsing at the Habitat store? We have on here it is called the purple door store. You never know what you will find there as it is mostly donated stuff. it is a good place to browse.

Thanks for reminding me...my wife and I were very involved with habitat a couple of years ago and in fact sponsored 3 different families get their home.