box elder

[skip7083]

Can anyone comment on the suitability of box elder wood for carving? I have access to a fair amount that will end up on a burn pile if not salvaged.

Thank you for any input.

Skip

[jiju1943]

I don't know how it carves but if it is flaming box elder it is some mighty beautiful wood, some folks love to turn it and make other things with it.

[Nomad]

Originally Posted by skip7083

Can anyone comment on the suitability of box elder wood for carving? I have access to a fair amount that will end up on a burn pile if not salvaged.

Thank you for any input.

Skip

Skip, I carved this noggin from kiln-dried box elder. It's hard stuff to carve but it carves well. Need good sharp tools and a lot of elbow grease.

[skip7083]

Thanks for the replies. Terry....that is a beautiful piece of work. Where in Michigan?

[Nomad]

Originally Posted by skip7083

Thanks for the replies. Terry....that is a beautiful piece of work. Where in Michigan?

Thanks Skip. I think if you want to carve this stuff, unless it's green, you should use tools sharpened for hardwood carving. I'm between Holland, Zeeland, and Grand Haven.

[skip7083]

Manchester, MI

[TreeWizard]

Box Elder is in the Maple family and as it drys out it gets very hard.