Wanting to make a chess set...

[Mitchell]

One bit of caution.... the grain in Butternut can make thin pieces a bit fragile. It has a tendancy to split easier than Basswood. Don't let that scare you - it is still a great wood to work with. Just remember when you start working with it.

[daniels]

Thanks for the heads up...I may buy some of each and see the difference (and perhaps take someone's advice here to use one type of wood for each side).

I've looked at Heinecke, another recommendation, but it looks like they only sell basswood. Any recommendations for a woodshop that also would sell butternut?

[davidinsarasota]

Seems like an ambitious project. I agree with the suggestion to start with a detail knife and glove. Take it one piece at a time. Start with the larger pieces like rooks or bishops. Don't worry about the dark side yet.

[nukebubba]

If you are leaving the pieces unpainted, I recommend using basswood for the "white" pieces and butternut for the "black" pieces. Basswood with a rubbed oil finish ends up a light creamy white and butternut with the same finish will be a medium light brown.

[Mitchell]

Heineke may have some Butternut also. Just ask when you place an order for Basswood.

You can search this site using "butternut sources" and find some recommendations also.

[daniels]

Thanks for the recommendations everyone. I'm going to be ordering the wood soon, and finishing up on the designs etc. as well.

I still have one question however, in regards to tools - it looks like there are mixed opinions as which to get - a detail knife or the 'little shavers' beginners kit. What are the pros/cons here, if I'm looking to make angular, smooth cuts on relatively small pieces (rather than the intricate cuts that I know are impossible for me at this beginner stage).

Thanks!

[Hooked on Carving]

If you want to carve a chess set go for it!! Woodcarving Illustrated had a geometric one with chip carving designs a year or two ago. Basswood is a lot easier for a beginner, I would start with that first, then go onto the Butternut. I found out, the more ambitious the project, the more you can learn.

[Neil A. Ward]

Try Rod and Muriel at Wilcox Carving Wood, Wilcox Carving Wood they are delightful couple and have very good wood. They have butternut listed on their web site. My carving club has bought wood from them and have not been disappointed with the carving quality of their wood. They have been at our show in Evansville for the past two years.

Neil

[Old Scout]

Barry McKenzie had an article in Wood Carving Mag, couple years ago, which I did. It used Basswood & Butternut{ for the different colors}. Pieces are Chip Carved, angular & geometric. As some one noted , you have a lot of pieces & chip carving takes some pratice. Good Luck !!

[Claude]

Originally Posted by daniels

Thanks for the recommendations everyone. I'm going to be ordering the wood soon, and finishing up on the designs etc. as well.

I still have one question however, in regards to tools - it looks like there are mixed opinions as which to get - a detail knife or the 'little shavers' beginners kit. What are the pros/cons here, if I'm looking to make angular, smooth cuts on relatively small pieces (rather than the intricate cuts that I know are impossible for me at this beginner stage).

Thanks!

I'd suggest both, at this point. The beginner's set from Rick has the safety glove, etc., plus a regular knife and the gouge set. These will do nicely for working and smaller items (say up to 8 inches tall). The detail knife is just a knife with a thinner and more pointed blade to carve small details with. This is the one I have:
Buy Bütz Detail Knife at Woodcraft.com

Depending on what you need it for, you might be able to use a standard Exacto knife with a blade that looks similar to the Bütz one.

Claude