A good source for mahogany blocks?

[Jackson84]

Hi there!

First off, thank you to anyone taking the time to read this and give advice. The help that I've received from this forum has been invaluable.

Anyways, for my first 4 builds I've used pre-cut mahogany block sets for my mandolin, but I'd love to save some money and just cut my own. I'm just a little unsure on where is a good place to buy thick mahogany for that purpose. I've checked out as many tone wood websites that I know of and haven't seen anything.

Any suggestions on where to find this materiel would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Tyler

[pops1]

I have gotten nice mahogany boards from a lumber yard in a larger city. That was a long time ago, still have some. I made a special trip to get them.

[sonic]

Local auction sale rooms over here anyway. Mahogany bedroom furniture is out of fashion and practically given away.

[Bill Snyder]

Laminate your blocks out of 3/4" stock.

[billhay4]

Laminated blocks are stronger, less prone to split, and cheaper to make. I use several types of wood in mine--mahogany if I have it, Alaska yellow cedar, even doug fir or spruce. I laminate in alternating directions.
Bill

[Bluetickhound]

I have been using an extremely dense and heavy wood I scavenged from some crates that come to my office. The wood I am 99% sure to be Babul, but I haven't had any problems at all using it. It has a very distinctive (and quite pleasant) aroma to it also, which I consider a bonus....

[David Newton]

If you can find a millwork shop near to you, something like a door and window maker, door frames, fancy arch doorways, stuff like that, go visit.
If you are a nice person and chat up the owner, usually a harried craftsman, they throw away more wood in a month than a mandolin maker can use in a lifetime.
My local guy closed up a couple of years ago, in the recession, and I'm still cutting on stuff he gave me. Oh, I may have slipped him a $20 last time I visited.

[Bluetickhound]

Not putting him on the spot or anything, but I bet Spruce Bruce could hook you up...

[pelone]

I have gotten some great instrument quality wood on Ebay----look under "Guitar" the "luthier supplies'"

Also, Gilmer Wood in Portland, Oregon has a super web site.

[Jackson84]

Thank you for the responses and advice! Looks like like I'll be checking out a few local lumber yards and mills...

Thanks everyone for taking the time to help me out!

Tyler

[Spruce]

Not putting him on the spot or anything, but I bet Spruce Bruce could hook you up...

Yeah, I collect small chunks from furniture makers, and probably have some kicking around...
I know I have some nice walnut billets for blocks...

[thistle3585]

I have a huge scrap bin of mahogany that could be used for blocks. I do a lot of woodwork for boats and end up burning it. Just pay shipping. Better to contact me through my site than via the cafe PM system.