Hardwood Connections

[woodbutcher74]

I saw this place on the internet. It's in Sycamore, Illinois. Looks like a nice place. It's a little far for me to drive on a regular basis but might take a day trip if someone can tell me if it's worth it. Thanks

[SirNot]

Did you ever make the trip?  Sycamore is a relatively short trip for me (about 30 miles) and could give it a shot over the weekend///

[woodbutcher74]

No, have never got that far. The wife's Mom has been not so good the last couple of months and so we tend to stick closer to home. 

[Mark J]

@woodbutcher74 & @SirNot I just noticed this post.  I have been out to Hardwood Connection a few times.  It's about a 90 minute drive, but he (Ken Burch) has a nice selection of turning blocks including 16/4 pieces, so I go maybe twice a year.  Sycamore is a nice little town with the requisite antique store or two and some restaurants.  

Besides turning blocks I have picked up dry 16/4 butternut and honduran mahogany boards from Ken and I know he had some 16/4 walnut as well last time I was there.  He has a selection of slabs and thinner boards, but they're not so interesting to me.

I can't speak to his pricing as I'm not as price aware as I should be.  And dry 16/4 in desirable species isn't that easy to find; apparently it doesn't grow on trees .

[SirNot]

I used to work in DeKalb and spent a lot of time in Sycamore, so I know the area well.  I just never made it out there.  The turning blanks intrigue me.  I may have to make the trip.