What’s a good online source for butternut? I did a Google search and checked the online woodworking and wood stores I usually shop at, but all I could find were 2x2x12 and 3/4-inch stock. I’m wanting to make a table with turned and carved legs (yeah, that one), so I need at least 2x2x24.
I live in the south and the only wood outlets close by sell locally grown.
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https://irionlumber.com/?s=butternut&post_type=product
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Steve Wall Lumber, Mayodan NC. Good prices, they will ship.
I've never found really good butternut. When I did use it, there was a ton of waste. Lots of defects, twist, narrow boards, etc. I wouldn't be anxious to use it again unless I found something considerably better.
Butternut is very soft IMHO. Not something I would use on a table top. I have made several things with it, nice wood, but not in a item that would get abuse.
Sorry, no sources I know of. I built a butternut table decades ago. The wood is beautiful, but as someone else said, very soft (1/3 the hardness of maple). I’ve built maybe 10-12 butternut kitchens over the years, it’s great for that. Bark canker has killed all the butternut trees on my land, about 30 trees. Unfortunately I didn’t have a band saw mill yet. Big regret. It’s killing butternuts everywhere, soon to be like elms and chestnuts. Ash are being killed off here too.
Bellforestproducts.com
It's one of the main woods for chip carving.
I think I read it is one of the diminishing species in the US.
Thanks for all your imput.
The table I'm planning to build is the 'side table with carved details' found in the March/April 2021 edition. The author recommends butternut because it carves easier than most woods.
I'm wanting to get into carving after 45 years of bedroom furniture and bookcases--time to try something new.
Thanks again,
David
Walnut carves beautifully. It's just a joy to carve. True mahoganyis great as well.
Bell forest products is a great resource!
bellforestproducts.com has it. Thanks again.
I took a look there as I am also looking for some, and the longest board I saw was only 46" long.
Also, it seems awfully expensive. Three 13/16" x 8-7/16" x 30-5/8"=$107!!! Maybe I'm wrong but doesn't that come to something like 20BF?
Of course its your decision, but I'd probably be rethinking butternut.
Just a quick update and a 'thanks again' for the ones who recommended Bell Forest. I ordered the butternut (plus a large chunk of basswood) early Wednesday morning, 12/15. It arrived this morning (12/17). They were very friendly and worked with me on the shipping.
That basswood will carve like buttah.
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