Lowes RANT!

You expect them to carry LN planes, too? The difference between them and a Stanley is about the same as between standard and multiply versions of birch with the same display faces. This is a home center, for cryin' out loud.

So what's the problem?

Put in a special order, and the manager will keep other lookers from walking off with YOUR piece of wood.

It's also available by mail....

Old Guy

I noticed that they do not carry Cocobolo either.

I'm curious--where are you located? Several yards in this area (Connecticut) have Baltic Birch, but they're hardwood yards, not softwood yards. It's not something I would expect to find at Lowes or Home Depot. Have you tried ? It's not comprehensive or always accurate but it's sometimes a useful starting point.

I don't know what sizes you are looking for, but Lowes DOES carry a very nice product in 3/4" (23/32"), called Arauco plywood.Check it out here:

You CAN mail order Baltic Birch. In a pinch you can also buy small sheets (probably no larger than 24" x 24") at a craft store.

So what is your problem?

Do you expect to find a new Rolls Royce at the Chevrolet dealership?

Lew

Menards has it.

I have a rant but it is about a tool.

My boss wanted to re-do is deck with Trex. But he did not want to face screw it and wanted a hidden fastening system. To which I had no control of what he ordered or wanted. So he had a couple of options at the lumber yard where we have credit.

One option was a tiger claw system where you tap one clip on each joist into the first piece of Trex and the next piece gets driven into that and you keep repeating this.

The second option he had was a biscuit type system that and you used stainless steel screws once you cut all the biscuit slots. This is the method he chose. Which I was fine with I just install.

So we had to buy a biscuit cutter to cut some 100's worth of biscuits. We purchased a Porter Cable from Lowe's. About a month ago we had to do the same process at his beach house. We need to replace the blade. Fine we go to Lowe's search for the blade. They do not sell it. We tried HD they don't sell it the blade either. I said to the guy in the tool department. "How can you sell a tool but not the blade?" His response was "That is the way things are done." And then he told me to try a hardware store.

Rolls Royces? At Menards?

Oh, wait. Never mind.

Forget Lowe's. If they had BB it would be too high, like their hardwood.

Look around for a hardwood dealer and they will ususally handle Baltic Birch. There are 2 or 3 in our area that sell it at a reasonable price. Several of the independent lumber yards do too. The only drawback so far is they do not always stock the 'A' grade. I occasionally have to settle for a occasional veneer-filled hole (no filler).

RonB

Honestly replacing blades on biscuit cutters is a pretty rare occurance. I suppose the Trex is more abrasive than normal wood. I wouldn't expect each store to carry a blade that might never get sold. Yes, retail has to carry lots of inventory but I would give them a pass on this non-typical item.

The > I have a rant but it is about a tool.

Same for my local dealer, who stocks the lower grade. Kind of annoying to have a football-shaped patch on the "good" side. Nobody else anywhere nearby stocks it at all.

You guys are funny, I've only been in 3 lowes. I've been asked to leave

all three and not come back. I've happily agreed. I prefer the pro's. Lou.

For those of you looking for B/B inventory at reasonable prices, have you tried to find a plywood distributor.

Here in SoCal, have at least 3-4 to choose from.

AT least one of them is on line and will ship.

Last time I was there, they were sending a shipment of something to New Zealand.

I don't waste time with lumber yards, DIY centers, etc.

Lew

We have one plywood distributor nearby (South Jersey), but they will only sell to the trade. I suppose I could pretend I have a woodworking business, but I haven't wanted to hassle with it. Someday when I have a real need for the top quality Baltic Birch or some other specialty plywood I'll give it a try.

Seeing as baltic birch is seldom used as sheathing or floor underlayment, I wouldn't expect Lowes to carry it.

The only place I've ever heard of Menards is here. Never seen one.

CASH works wonders in situations like that.

South Jersey tells me you are metro Philly.

Got to be lots of fish in that pond who will do business.

Lew

I'm proud of you. I've only been asked to leave and never come back at one store. You got me beat.