Reply To: Workbench Progress
Welcome! / Forums / General Woodworking Discussions / Workbench Progress / Reply To: Workbench Progress
Phil-
I spent about an hour or so on two occasions sorting through a whole stack of 8′ doug fir 2x4s at Lowes & Home Depot until I collected a few dozen nearly clear, straight studs. Sweat and Splinters. They were moderately wet like most of the dimensional lumber, so I had them sit around for a few months before using them. I also went back later and bought some kiln-dried studs, which are labeled PREMIUM HEM-FIR here in Los Angeles, which I understand is a rather ambiguous designation. The kiln dried hem-fir studs seemed clearer than the doug-fir I sorted through, but I understand that doug-fir probably offers more stiffness even though it is probably more splinter-prone.
I have also found some fairly clear 2×12’s, even wetter, which could yield up to 3 boards, if you have a friend to help you navigate the stack. Takes some patience.
Some building supply lumber places (like STOCK Building supply) sell a doug-fir wall stud that is more like a 3×4 (probably 2.5″x3.5″) which would be ideal for a bench top, but you usually need a contractor’s license to purchase from those places.
So I guess that my suggestion is be patient and find boards here-and-there on the cheap, or pay through the nose.