OUCH Bass wood

[Whittled Thumb]

I'm just starting out, getting a feel for the hobby. I looked at bass wood today at michaels....it was so expensive! Geez

Does everyone here use bass wood? Is their a good alternative?

[bigEd_H]

Michael's isn't a good source for bass wood. I've bought 20lb boxes of bass wood from Rockler for around $20 plus shipping, but not all of it is good quality (it's good enough for practicing on, though). I've heard that you can order any size piece of bass wood from Heinecke and the quality is consistent for more serious projects. Plus Heinecke's prices are quite a bit lower than Michael's.

So, there you have two sources for bass wood that will beat Michael's any day.

Ed

[Claude]

If you have a Rockler's or Woodcraft within driving distance, buy a couple pieces of basswood from them and give it a try. If you decide you want to really get involved in carving, then give Heinecke a call and order some top quality wood and a very good price.

Claude

[Just Carving]

Don't buy Michael's. It's overpriced garbage--and that goes for any basswood bought at the arts and crafts stores like Michaels' A.C. Moore, Pearl's, etc.

Try Itasca or Heinecke. Itasca is a little cheaper, but I think Dale at Heinecke will give you a better service if you order something special.

Itasca Wood Products

Heinecke Wood Products

Bob L

[Whittled Thumb]

Great theres a rockler not far from me. I will drive out there and get some wood.

[mikeg]

If you're in the northern US you could also see if there is a hardwoods dealer in your area. I get rough cut kiln dried basswood from one near here.

mikeg

[Eddy-Smiles]

You even have to be careful about what you get at Woodcraft. Depending on where you live will dictate the quality of the wood they sell. Also they are still about twice as expensive as the wood sold by most woodcarving shops or from a supplier like Heinecke. So even with postage you're better off mail ordering it.

[Claude]

Just thought of another potential source for you. Go check out some appliance dealers in your area and look at the pallets that water heaters are shipped on. These are around 2 foot square and I found two that had 3 inch x 3 inch by 24 inch pieces of basswood in them. Wasn't the best quality basswood, but it was free (I didn't know about Heinecke at the time).

Claude

[Whittled Thumb]

Thanks for the alternative resources guys, Claude thats a good idea, I have an appliance repair not far from me. Perhaps I can luck into some bass wood that way. For now I just want some practice stuff, nothing fancy

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Good tip Claude !

Dave