cost for stringers -- opinions needed

[pakalolo]

So I've been trying to figure out how to get some stringers for the past week.

I have lots of experience with a planer and table saw, I just do not have either of the tools.

I found a cedar shop in the area who trusts my experience and said he'll provide the wood and tool use if I can come in and mill everything out. He just wants to know what it is worth to me.

How much is fair for the 6 stringers for vardo?

2 at 1-1/2 x 5/8 --- 18ft

4 at 1 x 5/8 --- 18 ft

I will be doing all of the milling and all of the scarfing, but what do you all think is fair for the cedar (I'll be using white cedar not red) and the tool use.

Thanks!!

[Kudzu]

Where you live will have a bearing on this. But if you came to me and asked me to make you a set I would charge $125-$150. Depending on material costs. I figure 3 hours labor to make a set of stringers.

[pakalolo]

That sounds fair. but what about if I am doing all of the work? The guy only wants to charge me for cedar and tool use, but I will be milling everything out myself. I'm not looking to low ball him, but I also don't want to pay more than I have too. White cedar is cheap up in Maine and is a great boat wood.

[Kudzu]

You are own you own there. I don't know what would be fair just hoping this would give you something to go on.

I use W R Cedar and it's not cheap here. Has to be trucked 2/3 the way across the country.

[SBknox]

If you figure the labor is worth half of Jeff's price, $75 would be a fair offer. I wouldn't be insulted with that offer in my shop. Remember, he's doing you a hugh favor using HIS tools.

[uncleralph]

You said it was a "cedar shop", so they should know what price they want for the lumber. I would then offer $20 to $30 for the use of their tools.

Ralph

[PAR]

I think you can rent a small table saw for the money they might want to use their saw. If I was in your shoes, I'd see if I could borrow one from a friend, maybe suggesting a new blade for the trouble.

[Ray Frechette Jr]

You know, for cedar you won't be needing a whole heck of a lot of a saw.

If storafge space for a small tabletop saw is not an issue I would seriously look into buying a low end model. They just come in oh so handy for so many things...

[P Doug (WA)]

Instead of a cheap low end saw, I look for a used better one. Just my opinion.

[PAR]

Of all the tools I use, the table saw is the one that sees the most work. It'll pay for itself the first time you rip a 2x12 into 1x2's or what ever, rather then having to buy pre-dimensioned lumber.

[pakalolo]

Thanks all. A small table saw is definitely on the list sometime during the next couple of months. Just had to load up on firewood so I need to save up again.

I ended up lucking out huge. I got all my stringers cut. For my six stringers at 18' I got 12 each at 12'. Cut split and delivered for $40 They'll each need one scarf so I'll have over 5' extra for each.

I know it was luck and not the going price, but that's all he wanted.