krshlln300
New member
Anybody know where to get some good quality oak 2x4's for a stand in Pittsburgh or Altoona?
Looking for oak 2x4 dealer
- Thread starter krshlln300
- Start date
BeanAnimal
Premium Member
Mars lumber (Mars PA) specializes in hardwoods both rough and finish (s4s, s2s, etc). Allegheney Millwork in Pittsburgh is similar (but not as broad a selection of hardwoods). Toward altoona, there are several Amish sawmills and lumber yards in or near cherry tree and the surrounding area. My brother's boss also has a custom hardwood mill and business in this area (never used his services for anything).
I purchase from Mars lumber mostly. I can post some photos of the cherry cabinet I just built if you like...
You are not likely going to find hardwood "2x4" lumber and instead will have to have it milled and finished to your spec. Is there are reason you need "2x4" lumber? Is it an open stand?
I purchase from Mars lumber mostly. I can post some photos of the cherry cabinet I just built if you like...
You are not likely going to find hardwood "2x4" lumber and instead will have to have it milled and finished to your spec. Is there are reason you need "2x4" lumber? Is it an open stand?
Raceimage
Premium Member
Frosty Hollow Hardwood (frostyusa.com) can prob hook you up with that. Oak plywood is actually a more stable product. I go to mars lumber for my plywood. Do all the large areas in plywood and trim out the front with hardwood. That's how most furniture is made now. Make sure you use a marine clearcoat such as Minwax Helmsman Spar urethane.
BeanAnimal
Premium Member
A pre-cat lacquer like the M.L. Campbell Magnalac or MaganClear will offer far more protection and beauty than a "spar" urethane. You will need an HVLP or turbine gun to shoot it, but the results are amazing.
Here is the base to a bathroom built-in project I just finished. M.L. Campbell woodsong II stain (custom matched) and M.L. Campbell magnaclear pre-cat lacquer shot with an asturo HVLP gun on my back poch! Notice how happy the foreman on the job is!
Here is the base to a bathroom built-in project I just finished. M.L. Campbell woodsong II stain (custom matched) and M.L. Campbell magnaclear pre-cat lacquer shot with an asturo HVLP gun on my back poch! Notice how happy the foreman on the job is!
krshlln300
New member
Bean, I am looking for just rough finish 2x4's because I am looking to build my stand to my specifications. I will be using 2x4's to create a reinforced stand interior, then framing it in trim with a plywood finished face. I have a wood shop in Altoona that I can use to finish the wood properly. As for staining/treating the wood, I unfortunately do not think I would have the funds to get the gun but I may find one to borrow! I am not too concerned with the look right now as much as function and durability. I love the dog though!!! My wife and I are looking forward to being able to get a husky once we get a house.
BeanAnimal
Premium Member
I am not sure what size the tank is, but are you sure you want or need oak structural members? If they are not going to be a visible part of the stand, i would just go with pine. In most cases a very sturdy (easily overbuilt) stand can be built without 2x4 structural members and casework only (with proper joinery). My first "OAK" stand was built with 4x4 legs and 2x4 top and bottom framing, all skinned with 1/4" oak plywood and 3/4" oak trim. It weighed a ton. 2 people can barely lift it.
The green Harbor Freight HVLP gun gets some pretty nice reviews for being a $30 tool. I have an Asturo that I spent maybe $200 on and it does very well with my small compressor.
In any case, Mars Lumber is likely your best bet for the rough 2x4 oak, as it will be dry and straight. The amish and other "mills" in the cherry tree and surrounding area will be hit or miss with regard to moisture levels, etc.
The green Harbor Freight HVLP gun gets some pretty nice reviews for being a $30 tool. I have an Asturo that I spent maybe $200 on and it does very well with my small compressor.
In any case, Mars Lumber is likely your best bet for the rough 2x4 oak, as it will be dry and straight. The amish and other "mills" in the cherry tree and surrounding area will be hit or miss with regard to moisture levels, etc.
krshlln300
New member
Great, Thanks!
krshlln300
New member
Bean the tank is a RR 65 gallon. I have a 15lb cat that likes to try to climb the tank (never succeeds) and my wife and I hope to be in a position for a toddler in the next few years. I want make sure as close to 100% as possible that the stand can hold the tank and take a slight beating. I have heard that structurally pine can be iffy at times when large amounts of moisture are involved over time. I do not know if that is true but, any help/advice would be great.
