Plymouth timber

[Roentgen]

Hi all,
I am completely new to woodworking and would like to somehow get started. My first project will be a shoe bench.

I need advice on buying timber. I am in Plymouth, and one of the timber merchants I've found is totemtimber. Has anyone used them before? I am very nervous about going in and appearing like a noobie. So I'd like to know as much as I can before stepping in. Can they rip it down to size for me? The only power tool I have is a jigsaw. What is the typical journey through a timber shop generally like? What if the timber is too heavy? Can I be picky? I've also considered ordering online to save myself some embarrassment.

Hope you can answer some of these. Thanks!

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Whomever you deal with will probably know more than you, so don't treat them like serfs and try to be smart and pretend to know things you don't. Tread carefully, don't try to do (buy) too much at once, explain what you need and ask for advice and help. Most people are not rrrsoles and will try to ensure you go back and spend more next time. See how it goes - no one else can really tell you.

 

[blackrodd]

Hello and welcome,
Draw or find some plans of you're intended construction, Search on line and make sure the supplier has the thickness you require, or could reduce it.
Then make out a cutting list, add the waste and go do what Phil.p said, Remember, these blokes are on low wages and most help comes from good will and good attitude on both sides.
Regards Rodders

 

[Rorschach]

All of the staff I have spoken to in Totem have been very friendly and helpful, even my mother is happy to go in there to buy things. Just go in, be polite and explain what you want to do. They have cut timber to length for me (rough cuts only) so I can get it in the car, I am not sure what their range of cutting services is like but I do know they have a fancy panel saw for sheet goods so I am sure they must do some fairly accurate cutting.

Best thing you can do is go in and have a look around at what they stock, ask a few questions and then come back another day, that way any embarrassment will be forgotten about! lol.

Another good timber yard is Gilsons in Peverell, it is more trade than Totem but the public are welcome and again the staff are friendly, unlike Totem you will need to go into the office to place to talk to staff and place your order, they then give you a chit to take out to the staff in the yard who will pick the stock for you (when I wanted clear time for a picture they were very good to help me find a clear and straight piece), they also do a rough cut service. Gilsons is another place my mother is happy to shop.

Hope this helps.