Source for Ipe

[LittleBen]

OK my friends, here is my dilemma ...

I'm building bows here at a pretty reasonable rate, often approaching one to two a week, and I'm starting to have major problems with material sourcing.

What I need is a supplier which stocks Ipe, and can/will allow hand selection from Ipe stock. Most specifically I'm trying to find someone who can supply the nearly black Ipe I so badly desire.

Is anyone aware of a supplier somewhere in the northeast (or in a reasonable flight path along the I-95 corridor as far south as DC) who might entertain this type of request? Or alternatively who would ship relatively small quantities?

I've spoken to a couple places that can do it but have absurb minimum orders ... like 1500+ linear ft ...

[razorback]

Find a local decking company and see if they do Ipe decks. Make a deal to buy it from them and pick what you want from what they get.

[LittleBen]

Great plan. Thanks!

[macbow]

I was,buying,from Advantage,Trim and Lumber online.
They are located east maybe NY.

I stopped buying because the quality has gone down. Maybe you could locate a,brick and motor,store that would let you look.

[LESKEN2011]

I have bought tigerwood, ipe, and massuranduba from the same place as macbow. So far, no problems. I buy their A grade material and request straight grained with no knots.

[rmorris]

Check with tenbrook he is a sponsor here

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=48;t=001826

[macbow]

Tenbrook has some good stuff.
He has the advantage of hand picking his.

But when making many bows like I do,with my kids bows etc.
Can't afford another middle man.

[LittleBen]

I've heard only great things about Tenbrooks materials, but in the quantities I go through the stuff it's cost prohibitive.

Gonna see if I can track down some deck contractors, and if not prolly just order some from one of the big suppliers ... Maybe I'll just buy enough to build a bunch of furniture, then in can select my bow material out.

How much you think an Ipe coffee table would weigh? 500lbs? Lol

[JamesV]

Most big cities have a lumber importer/wholesaler that supplies the lumber yards. I have found that if you take one of your bows and talk with the big man, he more than likely will sell you a small amount (less than a truck load) at a reasonable price. I handpick IPE from my wholesaler for about $5.00 a BF. 5/4 X 6" X 10' for $30.

James

[LittleBen]

I have one place near me but they're kinda bastards. If you're not buying 1000ft of fancy moulding they won't look at you. Thought about bringing a bow but they're all pawns there, I'm sure the boss lives on a island somewhere off Venezuela with a $35 drink in his hand.

For now I guess I'll stick to that. Moving to NY upstate soon, but I've been doing some serious telephone work and I think I found a place that will let me sift through their ipe without any complaints. It's in Pulaski, which is nowhere near my flight path but as they say beggars can't be choosers.

If anyone's curious in will look in my notes for the name of the place. I think they told me they don't always carry it, but they'll let you dig through whatever they have when it's in stock.

If all else fails, I've always wanted ipe floors .... And deck, and patio ... Lol

[razorback]

Hey Ben, where in upstate NY you moving to. I would be interested in the name of that place in Pulaski. I go to Syracuse often enough that I would stop there to look at their stuff.

[LittleBen]

Tony, not sure exactly where I'm moving yet, depends where the wife gets a job, I'll be working from home. Probably around the Rome area. That's not too far from you is it? Hour or so?

The name of the business is LakeShore Hardwoods. They have a location in Syracuse, one in Pulaski, and one in Victor. Apparently the one in Pulaski is the biggest and that's where the boss is if you need to do any deal making.

[Phil-D]

In the past I have bought Ipe at Keiuken Bros. ( sp) they have several locations in the NJ/NY area and the yard that I go to doesn't mind if you look through the pile.