Sources for good woods in Illinois.

[Dave F]

Hey, fellow Illinois woodworkers.

Can you reccomend any good sources for quality hardwoods in central Illinois, particularly around Bloomington, Peoria or Champaign?

Thanks.

[Dan S]

Dave,

I'm in Champaign, and CU Woodshop has a decent supply of both native and exotic lumber, this is where i buy lumber for small to medium sized projects. The Woodworkers Shop is in Peoria, has a branch office in Bloomington, though I have never been to either store.

When i need a lot of wood, I go Owl Hardwood in Chicago.

[Dave F]

Thanks Dan.

I dropped in "The Woodworkers Shop" here in Bloomington a few weeks back. They seem pretty OK with the usual selection of Oak, Poplar, Maple. I didn't see anything really out of the ordinary, but for staples it's Jim Dandy. I was just wondering if there was hidden jewell of a source that I was missing or unaware of.

I'll have to check out Own Hardwoods next time I'm up that way.

Thanks !!!

[Chris H]

I don't know where you are at, or if you are up for a drive, but I get most of my lumber from http://www.kmhardwoods.com which is in WI, but my understanding is that they have a location south of Milwaukee. It may be too far, but they have a great selection, and their prices are very competitive.

[Dave F]

I'm in Bloomington, which is about 2 hrs south of Chicago on I-55. I'll definately look into KM Hardwoods. They may have that "something special' I may need.

Thanks Chris, you rock !!