For those that turn wood.......

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stonepecker

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For the people here that turn wood, I have two questions.

ONE
Do you buy blanks off of Amazon or eBay?

TWO
What is the deciding factor when buying blanks?


I seen some beautiful blanks on eBay the other day. Talking to another turner and mention them. His comment was that there was nothing special about that wood but here is something that he thought was really special.

Is it all just personal taste or is there something in each blanks that you look for before hitting that 'bid button'?
 
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I've never bought any blanks through Amazon - I've looked a few times, just never seen anything that piqued my interest.

I've bought quite a bit off ebay. I get almost all of my BOW from OLIVEWOOD2000 -- quality is great, communication is superb and the price is hard to beat. I can generally get blanks in quantity of 20-30 for under $2.00 per blank, including shipping from Israel.

Other than BOW, I've bought quite a bit of Hawaiian wood and some other stuff from time to time -- either interesting mixes or some specific things that I was looking for. Sometimes you can find some real bargains, but sometimes the bidding can get quite ridiculous too. I tend to just wait until the end of the auction to start checking the action to see if it's worth taking a shot at.

If the listing isn't clear about combined shipping or the posted photos being exactly what I will receive, I always make a point to ask before I bid. I always try to establish a rapport with the sellers & give them personal feedback on the the purchase when I get my blanks or other wood. I believe that most ebay sellers appreciate constructive, courteous feedback & I have received a bonus in more than one follow-up order.
 
I have bought a lot of wood on ebay from pen blanks to bowl and bottle stopper. But mostly from one person, he also will throw in a little extra. Like if the auction is for ten he may through in 2 extras to help fill the box, those two may not be as good of quality but heck they are free. I have heard stories of not getting what you actually see.

It is a matter of trust that you you build with the seller. Remember that most of the time a seller will spray the wood with water to make the grain and features stand out for the picture. It simulates what it may look like after putting a finish on it. So you will need to take that into consideration when you receive the wood.

But trust is big issue, not only check out his feedback scores and comments. But how he handles a return. Just in case the piece is not quite what you are looking for.

send me a PM if you want a link to his auctions. I would put it here but no need to increase bidding competition to much. LOL
 
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I look for stuff that's unique, but on eBay it tends to go along with a premium price.

Some woods that are pricey, I try to just buy when I see the right deal. Looking for larger boards and pieces is always a good option too.
 
I've bought natural edge bowl blanks, lots of cherry, some flame box elder, lots of black walnut etc... off eBay. Most come as expected. Shipping seems a bit high sometimes. I also buy from a supplier here in South Carolina, Turningblanks.net

They offer great blanks and I think very good prices. No, I don't have any financial interest in that company- they just do a great job for me.

Jim
 
I have bought on ebay mostly Hawaiian wood but I don't think he is even doing it anymore. Sometimes I have bought cookwoods on ebay and it was cheaper than their listings on their homepage. I have a set price and if it bidding goes above it I just let it go. LET IT GO, LET IT GO.
 
I have bought blanks off ebay. I look for the indication that they are a preferred seller, yellow star, so they have proved dependable. Be selective and don't pay too much. Some venders will offer free shipping as well.
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Everyday I'm vertical is a great day
 
I only go on ebay to buy blanks when the price is worth the effort. I normally get Maple or cherry. Why those, can't beat the price even if the shipping is on me too.
 
I buy off eBay about once a month. I try to by boards, blocks, small slabs, or chunks and cut my own blanks. I've got some real sweet wood this way and I'm starting to turn into a wood collector:biggrin: key is finding good sellers, and coming back to them. Check ratings and comments. Several folks on here have given me tips to good sellers as well. A good seller will have plenty of pictures of all sides of the wood. I've never been disappointed by an eBay purchase. The only problem is that good wood usually goes for a premium price....no real bargains on the nice stuff.
 
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