A Modest Proposal to Get Some Amazing Lumber –
The following idea is a long shot and likely to end up being a pain in my butt. But here goes.
For those of you signed up to take my class on building a campaign chest in May at the Marc Adams School of Woodworking, one of the biggest challenges is coming up with wood that is worthy.
Frank David at Midwest Woodworking in Norwood, Ohio, has a good stock of wide stock (including hineyloads of mahogany) that is gorgeous, old and fairly priced.
If I can get enough people interested, I’d be happy to try to arrange a visit to Midwest on the Friday before the class begins, May 3. You can pick out the stock that suits your fancy and your budget. You’ll get to see the very awesome Midwest Woodworking lumber stores. And, if you’re not too weird, we can all go to Gordo’s afterward for a great burger and an even better beer.
I promise you that you will be glad you made the trip.
Yeah, I know that this might be impossible for some students who are coming from long distances.
No, I can’t pick out wood for you. I can barely even pick out wood for myself.
Yes, you can come and purchase wood even if you aren’t signed up for the class.
No, I can’t pick out your wood for you and bring it to the class or drop it off at your house.
Yes, you can bring your truck and buy all you want (bring cash. American dollars).
No, I can’t send you photos of some of the boards and purchase them for you.
Yes, you can eat a hamburger from Gordo’s with goat cheese and grape compote and still call yourself a man.
No, I can’t transport your lumber to Indiana for you (I have only a little car).
Midwest is a jewel of a place. If I had any sense I’d never talk about it on the blog, never tell any of my friends about it, and deny it even exists. But I’m an idiot. So come take advantage of my idiocy.
If you are in, send me an e-mail at chris@lostartpress.com.
— Christopher Schwarz
P.S. Honestly, I can’t buy lumber for you. Or transport it. Or store it. Or cut it. I can barely wipe myself. If you need wide mahogany for the class and can’t find any, call Wall Lumber in North Carolina. Or Irion in Pennsylvania.
