Hello, I'm curious about where to buy wood that I cannot find locally. I'm fairly new to woodworking on my own and want to branch out in using different types of wood. I'm working on a bench for my mother in law and she loves purple. I thought I could incorporate some purple heart into it somehow. Not sure how just yet, but that's not important. My question is this: I can't find Purple Heart locally since it's an exotic wood. The box stores don't sell it. I found a couple websites that sell lumber online, but I didn't take the time to really check them out. What are your alls option on buying wood online? Where do you buy wood when you can't find what you want locally? Any and all help and/or opinions are appreciated!

Joe

Google hardwood lumber in your nearest large city and see what happens. I just entered West Virginia and came up with this place. http://www.thomasnet.com/profile/100...2&cid=10099005

www.walllumber.com

A good place near the Virginia line in central NC.

George

As far as exotics go, purple heart isnt too horribly exotic. A decent lumberyard should have it, and most major cities have at least one. I'd run a few google searches to see if you can find something local

That said, purple heart isn't purple forever. It starts off purple when you cut it, but ages to a dark brown. Just something to be aware of

Thanks for the links George and Steve!

How long should I expect it to be before it turns brown?

Couldnt tell you personally, ive never worked with it. I can tell you that the browning is hastened in unfinished wood, and wood with a lot of UV exposure, but as far as a timeline goes the stuff ive read says anywhere between a few hours and a few years.

Give it 5 minutes though, im sure one of the other guys will be along shortly to call me an idiot and give you an exact timeframe :P

Depends where you put it. I turned a pen for my wife out of purple heart 2-3 years ago and it's still bright purple. Now, keep in mind the pen spends most of its life in her purse where it doesn't see much light.

Exposed to the sun inside a house? About a year---good rich brown---I like the look--

You might want to check into using a dye stain to get the color your after if your wanting to put some color into a project. You can use a lesser expensive domestic wood, shape and mill the part then use the dye. Next you assemble the project and finish as normal. You can use maple or or any lighter colored wood.

If the purple color is desired then it could be treated with Sun Block sold by Quick Kleen. It's a sun screen made for wood and will hold the color longer than untreated. If the brown color is the desired color a green dye stain will counter the red in the purple and make it more brown.

Hey thanks everyone for the tips! I'll let you know how it turns out.

Joe