Timber by Mail Order

[Normanj]

I've seen references to purchasing timber by mil order and increasingly via the internet. I wonder if anyone has experience of buying timber this way and was it successful? My specific concerns are:

1. Many articles say choose boards that are knot free, straight grained etc, but how do I know the seller is not supplying mail orders with the boards that personal buyers reject ?

2. It understood that many timbers have flaws in them (I was was at the www show yesterday and saw many pricey timbers with significant imperfections). If I can choose my own boards at least I can verify that the pieces I need can be cut from the board

I suppose I could summarise my query by asking how do I know I can trust the yard to choose timber for me as carefuly as I would myself ? I'd appreciate comments from people wo have experience of this.

[jmk89]

You only know from their behaviour. The best idea is to make first contact by phone and explain what you are after and why. Be business-like and don't ramble, but make it clear what you need, species, grade (look at theTimber Industry Association and the Standards Association for the correct lingo), graain - straight or curly, whether rough sawn or dressed etc and ask them about their returns policy. If you tell them exactly what you want and why and they say they can pick that for you, then their returns policy should be generous. But the price will be greater because youare paying for the seller's expertise and time.

Someone like Lumber Bunker at Gosford would be worth talking to - Steve (the owner) is a good guy and he wants to make mail order timber buying work.

This is similar to any online buying of something with natural variations (eg Marine ply), if it isn't what you asked for, you should get a refund for a return or at the least a replacement with what you really asked for.

[watson]

:whs:
and I'm a very happy Lumber Bunker customer as well.

[timelord]

Yes Lumber Bunker top service and products---quick answer of your queries via e mail:2tsup:

[whitewood]

Any business is looking for repeat customers and word of mouth recommendations. Sending timber that is not what the customer needs or not the standard they are paying for is not going to expand or maintain the business. Most woodies have freinds and talk to each other. It is said 'bad news travels fast'. From a business perspective customers are quick to bad mouth a product they are not happy with but slow to praise if they get what they expected.
I agree with Jmk 89. Explain exactly what you want and if the business is any good you should get if. If you find a business that has what you want then maybe you could ask in this forum if there are members who have had bad experiences with that particular business. It would appear Lumbar Bunker has a good reputation. I'm sure there are others. I guess you will pay extra if the supplier has to spend time going through the racks to find exactly what you want but it is worth it in the long term.
John

[Normanj]

Thanks to everyone for the feedack. Looks like I just have to bite the bullet and give it a go.

[mkypenturner]

i havent had any trouble importing
pm sent
troy

[Lumber Bunker]

Normanj,
I understand your reservations in buying timber online. It is something we are trying to perfect at the moment and we have come up with a very simple website to do just that.

I want you to understand this, at the lumber bunker we are all wood workers. That is to say we are all building something at present, (i'm doing a pair of chairs, Liza is turning a stack of pens, Rhys a weird looking non-instrument- don't ask, Jason is turning 85 organ stops from gidgee) we understand what it is to have a "clear, defect free" board. and the only one that wins if your not happy is the freight companys!

We try our best and if we can't deliver to our expections then we don't waste everyones time. (does that make sense?)

Any questions please ask.

Steve
The Lumber Bunker

PS guys, your cheques are "in the mail" ;)

[AUSSIE]

I am like Watson,more than pleased with Steve at The Lumber Bunker :2tsup: