Spruce 2x4

[One Thumb Carver]

I was told that I can use 2x4 (Spruce) for carving the question is caricature can I use 2x4 and what is the best product to glue them then carve with out damaging the blade?

[AlArchie]

You can use spruce...not the best but check this trout carcved from a 2x4.
Rainbow

Al

[Robson Valley]

That is one beautiful fish! Clear, straight-grained spruce should be really nice, as you can see.
But, get really fussy about clear wood. . . the knots are like hitting bone.
Spruce 2x4 normally comes with upset/ever-so-slightly-rounded, edges and the company info rolled along one edge. If you planned to glue up a bigger block, you will need to get the corners jointed/squared. Elmer's Carpenter's Glue and plenty of pressure to get a really thin glue line. It sets up sort of like plastic, I can easily carve right through it. Do 2 at a time then glue those 'doubles' together.

[Eddy-Smiles]

Titebond II or Gorilla Wood Glue, also a Type II should work well for you. I like the Gorilla glue better because it's whiter in color and blends in easier with the wood.

[One Thumb Carver]

AlArchie the rainbow is beautiful------Robson Valley and Eddy-Smiles Thank you very much for you advice I really appreciate all the help I can get Bill

[AlArchie]

Bill, I hope you didn't get the impression that was my carving...it ISN'T. Member "Hillbilly" did the work and I just thought I'd pass that pic along as an example of what can be done with the lowly 2x4.

Al

[One Thumb Carver]

Thank you AlArchie will you please pass on to who ever carved the Rainbow I enjoyed seeing it well done Bill

[Robson Valley]

I was in a provincial government office building in a city. There were art/carvings all over all the walls. Pacific Northwest Coastal Aboriginal art. I asked if I could have a closer look at the carvings. Really well done (technically) and it finally dawned on me that most of it was 1 x 4 and 2 x 4 and 2 x 6 spruce. My only reservation was that I prefer the more traditional color schemes. Spare me the greens, oranges and blues.

[One Thumb Carver]

Robson Valley Thaks for the information Have fun chipping