Sources for fine grained cabinet wood?

[Thomas Hudson]

Robert Williams wrote:
> 
> For those of us who have the chance from time to time to repair/replace
> cabinets on synths like the Minimoog, how might a person find this fine
> grained wood?  I've never purchased fine wood like walnut or maple
> independently - all the nicer wood I've ever worked with was in college
> woodsmithing class where it was provided as part of the course.  I know my
> local lumber yard does not carry this stuff, so is it difficult to obtain?
> 
> Basically, my question is where do craftsmen of homemade electric guitars or
> gun stocks find this better quality wood?  Would a local cabinet maker know?
> 
> Robert

Nice wood can be obtained mail-order, but first you may want to
check locally. Shipping can be expensive. If you live in a large
city, you may have a Woodcraft store in your area. They carry
a good selection of domestic and exotic woods. Matter of fact,
I purchased Padauk for my modular from them. It's a nice, 
almost purple wood, with rich deep grain.

If you're new to woodworking, be prepared to be confused by the
units that wood is sold in. "Board foot":
 
        A board foot is a common unit used in the measurement of wood.
        It is equal to 1 foot length x 1 foot width x 1 inch thick.
        It should be noted that the thickness is nominal thickness.
        After drying and surfacing the usual thickness of a 1 inch
        board is 13/16.

        A board 10 feet long x 1 foot wide x 2 inches thick would be
        equal to 20 board feet.

(from http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/woodworking/faq/faq/faq.html)

Expect to pay from $2-$10 on average per board foot.
Woodcraft woods are already surfaced so you could
probably get away without needing things like
planers, etc. just a good table saw, sander,
and patience. Oh, and if you choose an exotic
hardwood, something to protect your lungs from dust.
Some exotics have carcinogenic (sp?), ahem, bad for
you...

Woodcraft also sells a nice steamer trunk hardware
kit (brass corners, leather, latch, etc.). Looks
great for a folding modular case with that old world
Jules Verne look...

Thomas