On 7 Mar 2007 05:52:42 -0800, RayV wrote:
Had some time available and the need for a cabinet scraper so decided
to take a run from the office in Trenton to Woodcraft in Downingtown,
PA (took about an hour one-way would be 2 hours from home).

WOW! They had hardware, hand tools, power tools, workbenches, vises,
a classroom and even a decent selection of lumber. I could have
easily spent hours in the store.

The Woodcraft in Allentown PA is pretty decent, too. Might be a shorter drive
from Trenton.

If you want a Woodcraft in NJ, you could always buy a franchise. 8-)

Here are a few places I know of in NJ
Lumber
http://www.willardbrothers.net/
Tools
http://www.forcemachinery.com/
mainly power tools
http://www.awmeyer.com/
Never been but I believe it is mainly power tools

Now that I am ready to take on bigger/better projects I need to get
some *real* wood and that seems all but impossible in NJ. I have
tried several places and most only carry 1x stock and the selection is
usually poplar, pine and sometimes maple.

So does anyone know of places in NJ that sell wood or tools?
What about online suppliers?

Wood: I used to work in Princeton, so I've been to Willard Brothers a few
times. If you're happy with local species, check out East Coast Log in
Bloomsbury. For a wider selection, Agincourt in Hillsboro is nice. Both are
small operations, best to call ahead. You can find contact info in Woodfinder.
I really like a couple of operations in PA Dutch Country. I easpecially like
Hearne Hardwoods. That place is like a candy store ... but its a looong drive
for me. And if you want plywood, Industrial Plywood in Reading PA is another
place that qualifies as a candy store. I have purchased some wood on line, from
woodworkerssource.net, and that worked out well.

Tools: In NJ, I am not aware of any brick and mortar places other than those
you mentioned. I bought a jointer from AW Meyer, that was a decent experience.
I bought a drum sander from Woodworker's Haven in Southampton PA at a WW show.
I've not been to the store. I've tried a few on-line suppliers. I've found
Amazon, Lee Valley, Rockler, and Woodworker's Supply to be reliable.

--
Art Greenberg
artg at eclipse dot net