A few comments and then a few questions. Since I don't have good maple or other decent hardwoods readily available to me I use the 1x2's from the home centers. Went to HD and Lowes yesterday searching for decent 1x2's. Sorted through probably 75 boards and came home with 3 good red oaks. Went through all the poplar they had and found nothing that was even approaching straight. I've read where they use tulip wood and call it poplar. Which to me is aggravating. And frankly kinda dishonest. Also the poplar seemed flimsy, shaggy and awfully lightweight. Haven't done a neck with it yet and frankly haven't found a reason not to use the red oak.
I know that many on here like poplar but is what they sell at the home centers really poplar or tulip wood?
Why do you prefer poplar over red oak?
Replies
My area Lowe's/Home Depot only has Poplar, soft Pine and Red Oak. Different areas will supply Maple, White Oak and others. Do remember that if it's not on display, you might be able to find it online or order it.
Hi Timothy, I get the Merbau from Bunnies, its decking boards, and I resaw it. I buy the metre long lengths and get maybe eight fingerboards out of one length.
Taff
Hi Frank, the markers are burnt into the wood with different designs of round wood burning tips. The boards have not been fretted yet.
And whilst on the subject of timber being wet when purchased, bare in mind that timber takes on and gives up moisture even after being dried. For this reason I stack mine as in the photos until I'm happy it has stabilised. Stickering it like this allows air contact to all sides.
Taff
I store my wood the same way
Call me lucky, I’ve never had those woes? But it does pay to inspect what you’re buying thoroughly?
For the price we pay for it the box stores should supply better quality hardwoods. I agree sometimes it is more like culls instead of quality lumber.
I have been fortunate to have been able to supply my habit mostly from the free section on Craigslist. I have gotten some nice oak and a little maple for necks. I like oak and am used to it, so working with it is ok. Whenever needing lumber from the stores the quality seems pretty random, sometimes very nice and sometimes a pile of garbage, and often it is wet as others have mentioned.
I have seen some pretty good poplar at the Lowes in Albuquerque but my only complaint is that no matter what 1 x 2 you buy it will be definitely no greater than 1.5" wide and if you have to do any shaping you may be a little more narrow than you want. For a 3 string that is ok but for a 4 string you might be a little cramped. I have a plank of poplar I bought at an exotic wood store in Albuquerque before they closed and I am glad I got a nice one. I was going to use it for native American flutes but find it will work great for good necks on CBGs. I cut a piece off the other day and I made it exactly 1" thick and 1 7/8" wide. I think I might try installing the frets onto it since it is thick enough and have plenty width for a good 4 string. I have to agree with some of the other guys it is easy to work with and strong. As far as the red oak it is pretty hard and a little difficult to work with but if you can get a good 1/4" thick straight piece it should work great for a fret board if you need one. I too noticed a lot of the oak with bows in them. I have never known Lowes to mislead anyone with the type wood they sell and everything I have seen that is advertised as Poplar looked like Poplar to me.
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