Swamp Ash - an interesting perspective

**Rodent** · #1 06-01-2006, 07:54 PM

so I visited one of the larger wood stores in Seattle this afternoon looking for a little Swamp Ash to add to the roof rack for my trip home. Nothing to be found

I take a few moments to talk with the store manager, and he notes that he pays extra to have all of that 'useless lightweight stuff' removed from his order when it's graded at the factory.

he said he needs consistency in the wood densities he sells

take a trip a few months back when Larry Davis (Gallery Hardwoods) noted a recent delivery he received of Swamp Ash. IIRC Larry noted that he paid extra to receive a graded load that was graded for its light weight

seems like the lumber factories are chargin extra to both clients for the same simple grading process.

thoughts?

all the best,

R

Larry Davis · #2 06-01-2006, 09:21 PM

Rodent, would that be CrossCuts?

By the way, the Prima Vera came out great....

**Rodent** · #3 06-01-2006, 09:30 PM

I tend to avoid CrossCuts (don't know why, just usually do), and instead shop across the street at Comptons - but I did visit them both today. Lots of 'wood' at both places, but nothing along the lines of what I was looking for - some clean, light 8/4 Alder to replenish my dwindling stock

Oooo ooooo oooo ... I am really looking forward to some Prima Vera action! Thanks Larry!

all the best,

R

Larry Davis · #4 06-01-2006, 09:56 PM

Well, I'm thinking the rationale you got on pulling the light weight ash out at the "factory" (sawmill actually) wasn't totally accurate. Usually a container is minimum order and that's a big chunk of cash to a wood store for a specialty item. Light weight ash pulled and grouped (black, green, pumpkin ash species among them) are primarily sold as an upgrade wood to the cabinet industry. Instrument use is fairly recent and only a tiny part of the market for "swamp" ash. Swamp ash prices are generally triple (at least) of hard ash at the "factory". I really don't think the sawmills are ignorant of the values involved here.

Suburban · #5 06-02-2006, 03:57 AM

It's the sorting that costs extra, not the density in itself.

**Rodent** · #6 06-02-2006, 08:42 AM

that's understood ... what was interesting is that (according to this guys story) it appears that everybody is paying extra to have their order custom sorted

all the best,

R

Juneau · #7 06-02-2006, 09:03 AM

Totally irrelevant post here, but just thought Id show this pic, of a bunch of Swamp Ash hehehe.

I dont think Pete will need anymore Ash anytime soon lol.