LDC Woodcrafter

Wood is expensive!

That is why, small off cuts were never thrown away. You just never know when you’ll need a small part for a project. It might also be useful to have a scrap to perform a test cut. Whatever the reason, wood rarely gets thrown away. Even 1/8″ thick strips can be used for the corner splines for mitered boxes.

On Thursday, I took a look around at my shop and realized that there were many off cuts that have been around for a while. A while means several years! In fact so much scrap had accumulated that it was hard to find usable pieces for desired projects.

The solution? A fire! So I built a fire to clear out the useless stuff (at least it has been useless for several years) and make room to store usable boards. In the process of removing scrap, I discovered mahogany, red oak, white oak, padauk and red cedar of a usable size. I am elated to have found both exotic and domestic hardwoods.

While tending the fire, it seemed ironic that I was surrounded by trees, yet reduced to buying wood for projects. In my pensive mood, I pondered nature’s carbon cycle and how I was a participant!

Having made space in my shop, I went shopping for wood. I bought:

• 2 1×6 poplar boards
• 1 1×6 walnut board
• 1 1×6 maple board
• 2 sheets of 3/4″ plywood

That purchase cost me $210.00! In light of that, I’ll say it again: “Wood is expensive!”