Too old to buy more wood

[Mark Fogleman]

My wife is a quilter. We both have our STABLEs...Stash That Accumulates Beyond Life Expectancy

 

[Wilsoncb]

@Kelly I understand and relate with your dilemma. It gets harder every day to stay motivated but then I see things like a this:

Alex Katz is still painting masterpieces at 99.
Dale “Greybeard” Sander completed hiking the Appalachian Trail 91.
Jack Eckenrode completed a 20k race at 95.

I could also name several woodworkers in this group (including yourself) that have inspired me so, I say buy all the wood you want if that’s what it takes to get you motivated! Nobody is going to set any speed records, so go your pace and enjoy it.

 

[Al Olme]

Like Chem75, I'm more concerned about the tools I'll leave behind. I have nightmares about $100 plus Forest Woodworker 2 saw blades going for a buck and my Veritas shooting plane and board going for $5 at the garage sale after I'm gone.
I guess I shouldn't worry, I won't be around to see it.

 

[KCH]

As someone new to this woodworking hobby, and "young" in comparison, I can assure you that if your own kids aren't into woodworking, there are plenty of us who would love your knowledge, guidance, and your wood piles when you're ready to cull them!!

 

[mattfrit]

I'm a young guy compared to many here, (65), I still buy pretty pieces of wood to make something someday... but more often now I'm looking at that pile of wood that's been in my shop for a few weeks (years) and starting to make stuff out of it. I know I had a project idea in mind before, but no idea what it was and now it's looking like something else entirely,

I've got you beat. I'm only 59 and still working a full time regular job. I've been "collecting " wood for many years for all the fun projects I'll get into when I retire. Mostly exotic or unusual wood bowl-turning blanks.

 

[pcooper]

I've got you beat. I'm only 59 and still working a full time regular job. I've been "collecting " wood for many years for all the fun projects I'll get into when I retire. Mostly exotic or unusual wood bowl-turning blanks.

I hear you, I'm still working a full time job too, not really going to retire for another two or so years, I'm glad there are some "younger" folk here...we need more!!

 

[Hmerkle]

As someone new to this woodworking hobby, and "young" in comparison, I can assure you that if your own kids aren't into woodworking, there are plenty of us who would love your knowledge, guidance, and your wood piles when you're ready to cull them!!

Stick around (@KCH) Katharine, that is what we are here for.
Ask questions, watch for workshops that interest you and if you can get out to see everyone in Hickory at the 2026 Woodworking Extravaganza

 

[petebucy4638]

When do you get too old to buy more wood ? I see stuff for sale on this forum and other places that I would love to have, but I am 76 years old. I have enough “SPECIAL” wood stored and stacked in every corner of my shop and shed, more than I will use in my lifetime. But I just cannot stop myself from coveting more of the unique species and boards. I can only hide so much from the wife.
But I never seem to have just the right stuff. Right now I am planning new painted cabinet doors for a laundry room so I need about 30 bf of maple, because I cannot bare to paint some of my beautiful Koa or walnut. But but do I have it ? Of course not so it’s off to The Hardwood Store to buy more wood.
When does it end?

One of the great mysteries of the universe is a woodworker ever too old to buy more clamps.

 

[Mike Davis]

Sorry, not sorry... bought more yesterday.

 

[sandfarm]

I am 76 and only buy wood as needed now, even though I have a big rack full of white pine, poplar, oak, honduras mahogany, but I needed a piece of walnut this week.
I don't have much problem with buying wood, but I am always looking at used woodworking equipment for sale. I recently bought another Delta 14" bandsaw by bidding on two to get one for a friend. So, now I have to sell one for the space. More equipment is what I don't need, but there seems to be something out there that I have to look at and think about it.