Wood type/pricing?

So I am looking at making 2 of the bookshelf type plans on here. I went into 2 stores today in North Dakota to get prices of wood. I was planning on using MDF for the plywood and #2 pine. However, that means $90 to make one bookcase. I was hoping it wouldn't be that much! I only have a Lumber Mart, Lowes and Menards down here. I plan on painting and wanted to use finished wood not furring so I don't have to spend a million hours sanding. Can I use standard pine with more knots and stuff in it? Or should I really spend the extra money for the select #2 pine? I want these to be sturdy, not to warp, and last.

Thanks!

hillarylouise

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 18:31

I think that knots and other imperfections are fine, as long as the boards are straight and not warped. Be picky about that part of it. The knots can be filled easily before painting.

claydowling

Thu, 03/17/2011 - 09:21

First, check for local yards, don't limit yourself to national chains. They usually have better wood, better prices and better service.  The only thing they lack is better hours, and the convenience of having everything in one store.

Second, don't trust any wood from any of these places not to warp.  Wood warps.  Take it home and let it sit for a couple of weeks to see what it does in your environment.  Keep it off the ground and make sure there is space between the boards, so it gets to dry out properly.

As for the roughness of the boards, I would skip the sanding for rough lumber and go straight to a plane. They're a little trickier to use, but they work a lot faster and you'll get better results. Lowes is starting to carry a Stanley jack plane, and with a little bit of sharpening it will give you very nice looking edges.

There are plenty of good videos and articles online about sharpening a plane blade and using a jack plane to get a smooth surface. There's even a chance that your local library will have a book or two on the subject. Completely worth checking out.