Hello Fellow Woodworkers and Woodworking enthusiasts,

We are really getting stuck into the subject now.

Just to re cap;

Over the coming weeks I will be doing a series of posts on the practical side of setting up shop.

This can apply to a hobby workshop but is mainly aimed at anyone who would like to set up a full time or part time business.

It is a big subject so I will do my best to divide it up into the following sections.

Workshop.
Tools and Machinery.
Finding a good timber yard.
Deciding what type of woodwork you are going to do.
Advertising and getting Customers.
Dealing with Customers.
Expanding your business.
I will add to this list and I would appreciate any suggestions.

I have experience in doing this myself from being self employed for 18 years.

If you missed the first parts you can find Them here;

https://steemit.com/woodworking/@jist/how-to-series-setting-up-a-woodworking-business-1-workshop

https://steemit.com/woodworking/@jist/how-to-series-setting-up-a-woodworking-business-2-tools-and-machinery

Today's post is,

#3 Finding a good timberyard.

Now on the surface this may not seem like a big deal. There are plenty of places that sell timber in any city or town, but all timber yards are not created equal.

Timber yards may vary depending on your country / location but general principles apply.

Here is a description of the different types,

Diy store.

These are generally 'big chain' mega stores , The timber you will find in these places is mainly softwood and basic sheet material. The timber will be sawn to size or pre machined to set sizes. This can be very useful for simple jobs especially if you have limited machinery. Some also offer a sheet material cutting service ( sometimes free) which again can save a lot of time and effort.
They will also have various standard mouldings, skirtings and architrave ready to pick off the shelf as well as basic hardware, which can be convenient.

When using this sort of supplier always remember the following;

Choose any timber carefully, sight down the length to check for straightness and do not be afraid to look through the whole pile if necessary. Look out for warping , splits and any dead knots. Quality can slip with mass machined timber.

Always check the sizes. A piece of 4" x 2" will in reality be 3 3/4 x 1 3/4. Also a tolerance of a few millimetres is not uncommon so it is always best to check.

The timber will be fast grown and not a very good quality overall, generally suited to more basic projects.

The price is fixed and normally quite high.

Builders merchants.

These vary in size from a small family business to a chain. The setup is similar to the diy store but with more selection and a better range of quality. They may also offer some hardwoods and custom machining. These are for the trade and can be very busy, there is no real customer service in the bigger chains and it can be a bit daunting for the un initiated.

When using builders merchants it is useful to remember;

Some work on a 'trade only' principle. This can be easy to bypass if you are a hobbyist or not setup in business yet. I would recommend doing this by phoning first just to ask about stock items and prices. This will give you an idea of what is required ( usually a business card will be enough to prove you are trade, which you can get made for pennies).

Always ask for the best trade price. If they think you are not trade you could get stung, there is always room to haggle a better price.

Know what you are looking for before you go. In a busy builders merchants things move quick so try not to get in the way and be as efficient as possible. Best thing is to go to reception and say what you require first.

Again sizes and timber must always be checked for quality and accuracy.

Whole sale Timber yard.

These are trade only and will ship timber all over your country from a massive warehouse. You will deal with them over the phone or email. They will have a wide range of timber in many sizes. They also stock specialist sheet materials.
As with the builders merchants you can get around not being trade.

Things to know,

Be very specific with what you want. Large companies like this have office staff who have never touched a piece of wood, they will make out that they understand what you require but invariably do not. Make sure you are as clear as possible.

You will need to order in cubic feet of cubic metres, but always state the ideal length and width you require.

You will need to set up a cash account to begin with.

Always haggle on price and get a set price. I have been caught out in the past by the wholesaler adding on a 35% !!!!! standard waste factor.

There will be a minimum delivery amount which can be quite high. I have avoided this sometimes by saying I am working on a prototype and I could have a lot of future business for them, worth a go.

Order for a few jobs at the same time if you have storage room.

Always check the timber when it arrives and send it back if needs be.

Specialist Timber yard (Type 1)

This is the first type of specialist timber yard, one that buys in timber from a wholesale sawmill. This is normally all and crafts person will ever need. Usually a large shed/warehouse with multiple piles of planked timber. The timber will range in species, thickness and length.
A good specialist will have a range of kiln dried hardwoods and sort woods. It is a very good idea to cultivate a good working relationship with your timber yard. You will soon get an idea of what is available. Most will plane up timber for you ( just be very strict on accuracy), Which can save bags of sawdust filling up your workshop.

Things to know;

Tell the owner / staff what you are looking for and they will take you to the correct stack.

Always choose the timber yourself.

Ask the price first. This will be in cubic feet or cubic metres. There will not be a price tag on each board , it will be measured and calculated when you choose it.

Specialist Timber yard ( type 2)

This is normally the same as above but smaller and with one distinct difference. The distinction being that they will have a sawmill. This means they will start with a log and mill it in to planks and then dry the timber to the required standard.
You can also get them to mill your own log and instruct them to cut it in a specific way/sizes.

Things to know.

Offers more versatility i.e moisture content, green( freshly felled) or air dried timber for outside work.

They will have an exceptional knowledge of timber and its applications.

Specialist Timber yard etiquette.

Here are a few tips to help you on your way when starting a working relationship with a good timber yard.

Have a good look through a stack of timber (by yourself if it is safe to do so) , but always put the stack back neatly as you found it.

Small timber yards can get busy so try not to use up the persons time too much( especially if you only need a small amount of wood).

Be patient. If a the timber you need is on a rack that requires a fork lift, just understand they may have many customers to deal with so just wait. It will be appreciated.

Spend a few minutes having a good look around. Ask if there is anything that they want to get rid of cheap, this includes old machines. You can get some real bargains.

If you do small work or furniture there will always be useful off cuts at the yard. Ask if they can put some to the side for you.

Hopefully that has given you some insight and clarity on the subject.

Next up in the series will be: #4 Deciding what type of woodwork you are going to do.

If you have any questions about woodwork, furniture or being self employed as a craftsperson let me know.
I know my wood and I have spent years teaching myself furniture making , furniture history as well as living it as a self employed cabinet maker .

Still I am learning every day and the journey is the point.

Many thanks for reading,
Until next time,
@jist

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