tough time getting my foot in the door

Peter Drouin · February 05, 2016, 06:20:08 AM

All good info from Ron Wenrich and YH. The more you cut the more hands you need to.
Finding help can be a pain.

Cedarman · February 05, 2016, 09:24:05 AM

If you are going to cut for grade and even if not, take a week long short course in lumber grading. It is worth every penny and every minute spent on it.
Many companies no matter their size use wood for blocking, putting in new equipment, weird pallets etc. Odd stuff. Visit them, ask them what they have used in the past and what they might need in the future. See if you are a fit.
We used to sell massive blocking to a big coal fired generating plant years ago when we custom sawed.
We used to sell a lot of cedar to the Clorox Corp. You never know where you will find a market.

azmtnman · February 05, 2016, 11:22:31 AM

Quote from: Ron Wenrich on February 05, 2016, 06:05:46 AM
Our starting niche was casket lumber.

People are just DYING use their product! :D :D :D
(Sorry, just too good to pass up!)

Cedarman · February 05, 2016, 01:20:40 PM

We sell a lot of lumber for pet urns. Seems even pets are dying to use our wood.

jdw · February 05, 2016, 01:50:52 PM

Well one of the lumber brokers called back today wanting 3000 bf of #2 and #3 white oak. Flooring I assume? But any way I'm gonna get the logs and cut it might get my foot in the door anyway. I don't really need this market I guess you could say but the way I got it figured is if you cut it and it sits around you end up with more money in it, and I would hate selling 100% clear lumber for pallet wood. Just looks like if you can keep everything moving your money ahead. And if you can sell grade lumber at grade prices instead of pallet stock your money ahead.

YellowHammer · February 05, 2016, 02:26:01 PM

Quote from: jdw on February 05, 2016, 01:50:52 PM
I don't really need this market I guess you could say but the way I got it figured is if you cut it and it sits around you end up with more money in it, and I would hate selling 100% clear lumber for pallet wood. Just looks like if you can keep everything moving your money ahead. And if you can sell grade lumber at grade prices instead of pallet stock your money ahead.

That's exactly right. First rule of business, or second or third, I don't know, but it's "buy low, sell high." ;D

Ron Wenrich · February 05, 2016, 03:29:34 PM

Its a start. Make sure it makes his specs, know what his sorts are supposed to be - usually by length, and that the lumber is well edged and trimmed. You'll want to use him as a reference in the future.

bkaimwood · February 05, 2016, 07:15:50 PM

YH...you are my hero for today... Outstanding post...I have followed this post closely due to similar interests, and you and Ron W have provided some great stuff for us newer fellas...not to discount other posters, all info is good, and constructive...so anyway, thank you!!

boardmaker · February 06, 2016, 10:37:14 AM

I don't really have anything to add, but I wanted to step in and say how much I've enjoyed this thread. Great information everyone! Thank you guys for also being willing to help!