B&Q timber cutting - no longer much use?

[pbh4]

At my local B&Q Warehouse (Coventry) yesterday, I noticed they have put up a sign saying they no longer cut widths smaller than 200 mm. Too many beekeepers getting parts for supers?

Paul

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I think it depends which way the cut goes - my B&Q cut some plywood for me a fortnight ago b- 140mm wide in a horizontal rip along the length of a, 8x4 sheet - the problem comes with vertical sheets as the timber falls through the gaps in the cutting frame I think

 

[beezwacks]

its probably an health and safety aspect from the powers that be upstairs, my local has a notice posted at the cutting booth stating as much, but the 2 guys trained on the machine are normally happy to cut as small as 150mm.

 

[johna]

I got B&Q in Ayr to strip cut some 12mm ply for me.Unfortunately they managed to work a taper into the lengths and they went to 5mm wider at the bottom.Fortunately the taper got wider and not narrower,so I was able to re-size at home - so don't rely on timber cutting services to produce accurate dimensions.

 

[bobster]

B&Q!

I'd go further than the cutting service. I've found that B&Q timber is expensive and cr*p. Any possibility of a local supplier that is happy to cut it for you?

Bobster

 

[kermit]

The independent timber suppliers in Richmond will both cut 8x4 sheets for free. I just get them to cut them lengthways into strips the right height for brood and super boxes. That way I have the shorter (easier) job of cutting them for length. Also, they are cheaper than B&Q, so saves me the 30min drive into Darlington. I suggest anyone pops down to their local timber merchant - much more knowledgeable, and cheaper.

Dave

 

[drstitson]

many years back Viz ran an article about B&Q being forced to apologise for the inconvenience when a customer inadvertently bought a straight piece of timber.

 

[drstitson]

johna - perhaps mons ab can build you a clearer board using the tapered ply?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

johna - perhaps mons ab can build you a clearer board using the tapered ply?

A slight surely - how can a shop bought piece of wood come anywhere near the lovingly hand crafted tapers of the Mons. Ab workshop.

 

[For want of a better word]

In B&Q Plymouth... ( we have 2 stores !)

Sales chappie asked me why I was looking down each piece of 4 x 2 ( well metrictred equivalent 100 x 50) every 8 ft length was twisted and bent.................
I answered that I was building a spiral staicase and needed some timber with the right twist to it... he told me that that was no good as it always dried out straight!!!

I can see how a proper timber merchant can survive against the cut throat competition the DIY barns have used to drive the propper shops from the market!!

 

[drstitson]

i think B&Q believe that sawn timber comes in D and L isomers and so long as the stock on their shelves represents a racemic mixture they're happy!!!!

 

[johna]

I was only being lazy using B&Q.Having a fully fitted out cabinet making enterprise,I buy my timber "in the rough" and normally wouldn't step over their threshhold and certainly don't usualy buy their rubbishy products but I had a need and my suppliers aren't open on Sundays.

 

[For want of a better word]

i think B&Q believe that sawn timber comes in D and L isomers and so long as the stock on their shelves represents a racemic mixture they're happy!!!!

Now mentioning that would give them something to reflect on !

 

[Oaktreepotter]

I completely agree with Bobster's assessment of B&Q plywood. Don't waste your money. The ply is cheap and nasty and poorly bonded. Exterior quality? I think not. I get mine from W**ckes builder supplies. It's more expensive, they don't cut it to size but it's much better quality.

Chris

 

[WaxManSmokerBoy]

Where I come from there are B&Q and Wickes outlets within about 200m of each other.

I doubt that either is unaware of the unique selling points for their various 18mm ply offerings. Cheaper and better, or conveniently cut. I guess that each is addressing a slightly different market. Probably one that has the carrying capability and can cut straight on the one hand.

 

[Flatters]

I use a local timber merchants. They are so precise with cutting; you are dealing with a person who cuts timber every day. They also seem to have more off cuts available so you can get some good prices on the smaller pieces you want. For timber I would not go near B&Q or Homebase.

 

[JamezF]

Have to agree. B&Q "exterior grade" ply seems to start delaminating as soon as it gets out under the open sky. The local builders merchant or saw mill are much better.

James

 

[The Apprentices]

The independent timber suppliers in Richmond will both cut 8x4 sheets for free. I just get them to cut them lengthways into strips the right height for brood and super boxes. That way I have the shorter (easier) job of cutting them for length. Also, they are cheaper than B&Q, so saves me the 30min drive into Darlington. I suggest anyone pops down to their local timber merchant - much more knowledgeable, and cheaper.

Dave

That's right the guys at Howarth will cut any sizes you ask for, a really good bunch.

Dave.

 

[kermit]

That's right the guys at Howarth will cut any sizes you ask for, a really good bunch.

Dave.

Actually, I use N Yorks Timber. No reason why apart from I always have and they give me a bigger discount now. Either are helpful and will do a good job.

 

[NoBBy]

In Preston we have an independent DIY/Timber Merchant that will cut timber to whatever size you want for free.

I was making some Dummy Boards and they cut 4 sheets of 9mm ply to the size I wanted then cut an 8 foot length of 35x9mm down to 22mm wide. Once they even cut 5mm off a door I had bought and saved me about 2 hours plaining. With this place and Screwfix nearby I never have to go to B&Q