Australian Basswood equilivent

[thatjellyfish]

Just wondering if anyone can tell me what wood in Australia is basicllly the same as basswood or if any other type is good for a beginner

[STAR]

I am not that experienced. But to be truthful I do not think their is any. And why do I say that?

before I started to learn to carve I made my own two first carving knives. A bit back to front i know. Then I wanted to know how sharp is sharp and if the guys in the States had sharper knives. I then ordered a knife from Allen Goodman who is on this site and he sent me a carving knife that was sharp, so one part of my question was answered. Allen also helped me solve my second query by sending me a few small samples of American Northern Basswood to compare to what we had here.

Chalk and cheese. I have a good supply of Jelutong which I was told is the equivalent to basswood in Australia. I had seen and had a play on some basswood in Australia and I was not impressed. it was nothing like what Allen had sent me.

So, in my opinion, at this point in time I think the closest in Australia is Jelutong. All the pattern Makers use it. One thing it will teach you more then Basswood will, is how important it is having really sharp implements.

Pete

[thatjellyfish]

What would you recommend for a food type of wood be ideal.

[thatjellyfish]

GooD* not food

[Blinky Bill]

G'day,
The wood you use can depend on your project at the time and whether you are using knives and palm tools or mallet and gouges. Having said all that, as a beginner I don't think you can do much better than Jelutong, it's light weight, has practically no grain, cuts nicely with sharp tools and holds detail pretty well. It also has the advantage of being available in a really great range of sizes, so I would say, sharpen your tools, grab a chunk of Jelutong, and make the chips fly ..........
Regards
John