Went to Menard's today to buy some Oak 4x4's. Had one on the cart and noticed it was 3/4" oak cut and glued together to form a 4x4. Checked the label and yes sir it said solid oak. NOT.
My question is. Is there a good on line place to purchase wood? I see a lot of places but thought someone may have a good source they have dealt with.
Thanks

Well, it actually is "solid oak", rather than a veneer, and less likely to warp or twist because its laminated up. Now with all that said, it still may not be what you're looking for. If you want 1 peice of oak in a 4x4, I would suggest going to a mill. I have no idea what things are like in your area and this may not be a possability, but if it is, they will most likely be your best source for lumber every time. Especially if it's already kiln dried.

Sherwood,

What region of the country are you in?

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My home depot has white oak fence posts and boards for the larger farms nearby. The lumber is far from clear, but with a little work it can be. I get 5+/4 thick boards 8" x 16 foot for about $9, and they yeild some great wood when cleaned up. The fence posts might be able to yield you a 4x4 if that is what you need.

My local sawyer can get me oak in most any size, but I would probably glue up 1x stock to make a 4x4 if I needed. Wood magazine in one project mitered quartersawn oak pieces together to make a hollow 4x4 that had incredible grain paterns on all 4 sides.

Good luck in your quest,

They ship

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Just remember, shipping on an oak 4x4 of length won't be cheap. I'd find a local mill. I quit buying hardwood from big box stores because of the price as well as the fact anything over 1x8 is likely to be glued up. Here in North Central Ohio, I buy red oak for usually around $2 or so a board foot. That is a third or less of the big box store prices!

The downside is it does make a jointer and a planer necessary! You can pay the mill to surface it for you, but that adds to the cost and usually requires a lead time for milling. With rough cut, I can walk in and buy it on the spot. Of course it takes me time to mill it then.

Just depends on the tools you have, the time you have, and the money you are willing to spend for it.

If you google "oak turning blanks" you can definitely find what you're looking for.

Woodworkers source has a lot.

Search Craigs list for lumber and you may come up with someone that does sawing. or a sawmill If so they might be able to supply you with what you are looking for,

I echo all of the above. I wasn't doing any woodworking when I lived in the Chicago area 30 years ago so I never got to know any mills.

Here in upstate New York I have my choice of several mills. One of them even specializes in exotics.

Good luck! I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for.

Dittos also on the above, I'm also in upstate NY, my local one man saw mill has solid 4x4 kiln dried red oak, white oak, ash, and others when available. As mentioned by someone earlier, some projects still might be better with glue up. I've used factory scrap glued up oak to turn wine goblets, the joints even seem to add more interest.

Thanks all for the great leads and suggestions. Looks like I'll be busy Mon.