Overview
One of the most common challenges facing new woodturners is how to find sufficient quantities of low cost, or free green wood (fresh cut) to turn. Finding a reliable supply of free wood is the key to maintaining fresh turning stock for your projects. Of course, you could just buy all of your blanks and turning squares from a local supplier, however most woodturners enjoy turning wood that's free whenever possible. There are numerous places where you can find low cost, or free green wood in the area where you live. All you need to do is to develop a core group of friends that are "on the lookout" for you and with a little effort on your part, you will have plenty of wood to turn.
What to Do and Where to Look
One of the first things you need to do is to tell all of your family, friends and business associates that you are now a woodturner and that you're looking for low cost, or free green wood to turn. Over the years, some of the most beautiful timber I have ever turned has come as a result of friends that have called me about wood being cut in their area. Here are a few other places you can investigate that may help you find low cost, or free green wood for your woodturning projects.
Tree Surgeons
A tree surgeon can be one of your best sources of supply for green wood logs. Look in the telephone directory where you live and call any tree surgeons to let them know you're a woodturner looking for green logs.
Tree Cutting Services
Local tree cutters, like tree surgeons work with trees every day. All you have to do is find a few that are willing to let you have some of the wood. One good tree cutting service contact can keep you supplied with lots of green wood logs for your projects.
Local City or State Cutting Crews
The city or town where you live may have a cutting crew working to keep trees on city right-of-ways and esplanades trimmed. If you see a crew working one day when you are driving around, stop and talk to the supervisor and ask them if you could have some of the timber. Some cities also maintain dump sites where they take cut trees. You may be able to obtain permission from the city to go onto the site and cut a few green wood logs. Every city has different rules, so check with your local city administrators and ask if they will allow you to remove some of the timber from their dump site.
Local Landscapers
Ask your yard service supervisor if they know of any tree cutting services where you can get green wood logs. You may be surprised at the contacts you can get. My landscaper has been an invaluable source to me over the years for green wood logs. Not only do landscapers know other tree cutters, they also know about clients they have who are taking down trees to install pools, patios, fences, new landscaping and other projects.
New Building Construction Areas
Think about where new homes are being built in your area. These are prime areas for obtaining green logs, as the trees that grew where the foundation, driveway and pools will be built must be removed. Through the years, I have gotten untold amounts of timber from areas where new homes were being constructed.
Green Recycling Centers
Green recycling centers are another great place to look for green wood logs and stumps. Many local landscapers and tree cutting services use recycling centers to dump their logs, so they can be turned into mulch and compost. Although there might be a fee for wood at these companies, the cost is usually very low.
Land Developers And Architects
Land developers and architects who build new construction projects can be a good source. As I pass by vacant lots that are slated for new construction, I copy down the information from the construction sign and call the developer, or architect to inquire about any timber that will be removed. Sometimes you get lucky!
Lumber or Veneer Mills
If you live in an area that is logging timber, you can contact local mills and ask about off-cuts, or veneer cores. Of course, you will have to pay for these, but the cost is usually quite low and the supply is reliable.
Pool and Patio Companies
Companies that install pools and patios usually have to take out trees. If you see a pool company working in your area, stop and ask the workers or the homeowner about any trees that will be removed and if you could have some of the green wood logs.
Storm Related Weather
When strong storms hit, trees are often blown down. Most homeowners are more than happy for you to remove any logs piled up by the curb awaiting heavy trash pickup. A nice benefit here is that the tree has already been cut and stacked by the curb for trash collection. All you have to do is load your truck or trailer. Just make sure you ask for permission from the homeowner first, before removing any wood.
Local Firewood Dealers
Firewood dealers can be another useful source for timber. Although they will not give you free wood, you usually only have to pay firewood prices or less for your wood. You should try to negotiate a lower price than split firewood, because the dealer will not have to split the log sections, thus eliminating much of their labor in processing the firewood.
Your Own Land
Do not forget your own land or property. If you have acreage, you may have trees that need to be removed or have died, that can provide valuable timber for your turning activities.
Ask for Permission Before Taking Free Wood
It should be understood, but make sure you have permission to go onto property you do not own before removing logs. Some cities will not allow you onto city property for insurance or other reasons. Some cities also require permits or insurance before you can access their property. Since every area is different, you must determine what is necessary in the area where you live. Do not worry if you are stumped at a few places; there are plenty of logs elsewhere. Just move on down the list and keep talking to folks until you find someone who will work with you.
When you do find a valuable resource, remember to return the favor by presenting them with a nice turned gift from your studio's workshop. Hand turned pens are a great gift to give for a referral that resulted in a beautiful log for your projects and they're easy to keep on hand. For more information on drying green wood logs and blanks, visit my resource library.
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