I like to wander into the homestores and scan over their lumber. When
I see some clean 2x material I'll pickup 6 to 10 of them. I probably
have 20-30 8-footers in the shop now. Awhile back I noticed some $20
birch/maple 3/4" ply and scooped up 10 sheets. I'd also like to
start looking around from some hardwood at the local mills.