hey everyone, there are no local lumber stores that sell anything but pine, etc; i have noticed that on Eb** there are some sellers that let you pick certain pieces of lumber with straight grain.
I need hickory, white oak, or hard maple for bow backing, and it would be nice to pick lumber over the internet, and not just hope i get a nice piece.

So, are there any places u know of that let u pick boards over the internet?

Will, never bought wood from the internet, but if there are any saw mills close to you, you might find some there.  Just a thought.....Dan

Will.................

The lumber bought sight unseen over the internet is risky at best. For bowbuilding I would never buy a board without puttin my hands on it first, unless it was from a reputible bow builders' supply. Most all cabinet shops or lumber yards that do mill work, will stock or can order good quality lumber for you. Might be something to look into.

Good Luck.

James

okay, thanks, i was just wondering if there were any sites where i could see the board i was ordering, but i doubt they do that over the internet

I think Gilmers  may have individual pics.....

Gilmers also has a guy there that is somewhat familiar with what a bowyer needs.  I can't remember his name right now but let them know you are building archery equipment.  Their minimum is at least $100.

Kenny can cut and ship what ever you need.  Not by the board foot but once he's cut out the laminations or whatever you don't have to pay postage for full weight boards either.  

Another thought, there are almost always individuals running small one or two man operations with a Wood mizer saw and access to a kiln.  Go to your local Chain Saw shop and ask around.

Dont overlook cabinet shops. I bought some really straight hickory for backing strips from a local cabinet shop. They were happy to get rid of it because it was too straight and ugly.