cheap is nice-free is better-free lumber supply
A couple of years ago I discover a source of FREE lumber, that has helped me make TONS of projects, for next to nothing. If you go around to places that do commercial glass work, they often receive shipments of large window glass, in large "frames" made of 2x4s, 2x6s, 2x8s even 2x10s and 2x12s (as well as smaller 1x s). Often the lumber is up to 10 ft long! It may or may not be as good as what you'd buy at the lumber supply store, it varies, but its great for things like benches, even framing. I've built 4 very sturdy workbenches for wood working out of it, and 1/2 of the lower part of my barn is FULL of more of it (roughly equal to a 2 car garage full!). I just carry a sledge hammer, 3 lb hammer, and a couple wrecking bars around in my truck, to dissassemble it with (They use ALOT of nails.) Many places will even "hold" it for me, until I can come get it, 'cause they don't wanna take the time to break it down so they can discard it. You can also find the frames right at jobsites where they are installing the glass. Everyone is more than happy to give it to me, so they don't have to deal with it. I've also gotten large (sometimes up to 4x10 foot) sheets of plywood, of various thicknesses mixed in the deal, too! Using that and the 2bys, built several shelving units for out in the barn as well. Yeah, I'm cheap, but what the heck....Working on framing the inside of the barn, now, so I can insulate and eventually heat my workshop.
A couple of years ago I discover a source of FREE lumber, that has helped me make TONS of projects, for next to nothing. If you go around to places that do commercial glass work, they often receive shipments of large window glass, in large "frames" made of 2x4s, 2x6s, 2x8s even 2x10s and 2x12s (as well as smaller 1x s). Often the lumber is up to 10 ft long! It may or may not be as good as what you'd buy at the lumber supply store, it varies, but its great for things like benches, even framing. I've built 4 very sturdy workbenches for wood working out of it, and 1/2 of the lower part of my barn is FULL of more of it (roughly equal to a 2 car garage full!). I just carry a sledge hammer, 3 lb hammer, and a couple wrecking bars around in my truck, to dissassemble it with (They use ALOT of nails.) Many places will even "hold" it for me, until I can come get it, 'cause they don't wanna take the time to break it down so they can discard it. You can also find the frames right at jobsites where they are installing the glass. Everyone is more than happy to give it to me, so they don't have to deal with it. I've also gotten large (sometimes up to 4x10 foot) sheets of plywood, of various thicknesses mixed in the deal, too! Using that and the 2bys, built several shelving units for out in the barn as well. Yeah, I'm cheap, but what the heck....Working on framing the inside of the barn, now, so I can insulate and eventually heat my workshop.
