Weird difference in vendors' plank prices

[Capella]

I needed some more walnut strips of varying widths and thicknesses.

 

I first went to Modelers Central. I was only able to find one of the three items I need. But I was surprised to see that they sell them in 1000 mm - 1 meter - lengths. I even went so far as to email them to confirm that wasn't a typo or something. But at less than $1 per strip, I figured that was pretty good. However they didn't have everything I need and I'd prefer to get everything from one vendor.

 

So I visited Model Expo. I was able to find everything that I needed there, but they sell their strips in 12 pieces totalling 500mm - and at $5 a pop. A HUGE difference compared to Modelers Central products.

 

Does anyone have any explanation for this weird discrepancy?

[Paul Le Wol]

Hi Capella, I think at Modelexpo you get 12 pieces @ 500 mm equaling 6 of the 1000 mm strips from Modelers Central. So about the same price if I’m not mistaken in my math. Paul

[Capella]

Okay. Yeah. My math was off. Expo's offering 12 strips measuring 1 x 4 x 500mm @ $4.99 for the dozen, vice Modeler's 1 strip  measuring 1 x 4 x 1000mm @ $1.01 each.

 

Thanks!

[Gregory]

Did you check out Modelers Sawmill, one of our sponsors?

 

They offer a wide variety of walnut strips.  $2.50 for 10 14" strips.

They take custom orders at no extra charge if you don't see what you need in their lists.

I suspect the quality will be better than most strip wood packages at other vendors.

[Capella]

Thanks for the tip, Gregory!