So i have been lurking in this group for a few years and now that i think i have my shop/garage ready in our new home i am planning on making a few paddles this year as a warm up for my first stripper build next year. I think i have a few plans for my initial paddles and how i am going to work up to some different designs and such.

my question for the folks here that are in the twin cities area is - Where do you guys have the best luck getting your lumber - for the first paddle or two i will probably just get a few cedar boards from menards or something and mill them to what i need. but after a feel like i am getting the hang of things i will want to up my game with different species for contrast/weight/etc.

I am in Blaine, MN and hoping to find a decent lumber yard nearby but i am having a hard time finding any.

Thanks for any help you all can offer!

2 places I’ll go. Either woodmaster supply in Lino lakes just north of lake street and 125th- its just is a gentleman with a polebarn full of wood and good selection/ prices.

Or I’ll go to forest supply products in maplewood- that’s a regular commercial lumberyard.

Menards sells old-growth western red cedar. You want to buy the rough sawn material, usually 4x4 or 2x material. Much of it is clear enough to saw into fantastic paddle lumber. Their decking is all second growth as is much of what is sold inside. Go out to the yard.

White cedar is great material for paddles. It's a wee bit lighter and more flexible (think ribs in a wood canvas canoe). Not saying WRC is not good. White cedar is more yellow. The two together will complement each other. Craigslist for the white cedar.
Tom


Tom

Thanks for the info. I will check out these suggestions. Once i finally get going on it, i will post some pics of the progress - and probably some questions!

Siwek lumber If you are looking for a good assortment of quality wood.

jwartman59: " Siwek lumber If you are looking for a good assortment of quality wood. "

I second the Siwek Lumber and also the Forest Supply Products. Both will have a good selection.

Excuse me while I pour one out for Youngblood Lumber. Damn I miss that place.

Minnesotian: "

jwartman59: " Siwek lumber If you are looking for a good assortment of quality wood. "

I second the Siwek Lumber and also the Forest Supply Products. Both will have a good selection.

Excuse me while I pour one out for Youngblood Lumber. Damn I miss that place. "

True that. Youngblood was awesome