Jeff Anderson wrote:

First off I'm pretty new to woodworking but getting into it quickly. My
question is two-parted so I'll just split it up.

Periodically I see posts/hear about people getting large slabs of burl maple
or cherry or something for very low costs. Just where are they getting
things like this. Are there wood swap meets (I live in Tulsa, OK) or flea
markets for wood? I'm really interested in getting something around
4"x6"x6" or similiar. Local cabinetmakers only tend to have scrap in the
3/4" or less range. Woodcrafters wants about $30 for a chunk that size.

Also - I'm getting ready to do a project making a small jewelry box out of
solid maple (burled, quilted, spalted or something interesting) by routing
out the compartments inside. Saw the project in Art of the Router. I've
practiced on MDF (laminated), just to get the idea and process down and it
came out well, but am worried I'll burn the maple plunging out all the
innards of the compartments. I used a cheap (carbide but cheap) bit to do
the sides and bull nose the bottom inside edge of it with no problem but are
these going to burn the maple up? They definitely dont cut as easily as the
CMT bit I have (fancy little classical ogee). Should I just buck up and buy
a CMT (they have a 1 1/4" long bull nose that would work great)? My router
is a PC 690 (or 691 or 3 or something, plunge and fixed base), would a
variable speed controller help me out here or is just letting it go full
bore ok?

sorry for all the questions, but I really appreciate the help

Jeff


You're contemplating a first class project here. Do not scrimp on the
tools needed nor the wood you buy. Every now and then somebody here
will post that a neighbor cut down some maple/walnut/oak... trees and
gave them to the poster free. This is usually met with a chorus of
"nice haul" or more commonly "you suck". A neighbor once gave me his
redwood deck which was great, but I don't have others beating on my door
to make me happy. Do some price comparing ($30 doesn't seem all that
bad) and cost/benefit estimating and do the best you can. Try some yard
sales, especially if tools are mentioned. Crane your neck to see if
there is anything stacked in the back yard, in the garage, by the trash,
etc. and try to cut a deal.

As far as cutters are concerned, go with quality. You don't want a
piece ruined because the bit/blade/cutter... you saved $20 on, came apart.

In other words, spend the money and get on with the fun stuff. To
paraphrase somebody's sig here, buy the best and cry once.
mahalo,
jo4hn