wood

therunt · #1 03-02-2006, 03:46 AM

first to say hello all...i am an artist whose looking to break out of the realm of my two-demensional pieces and start creating something that i can really hold on to. so...i'm going to be getting into sculpture and carving. have never done anything with wood or stone or clay, so the process of learning is just going to be trial and error.

my question to all of you is what are the best kind of woods to work with, and where do i get it. also, how much might i be looking to spend on it.

thank you

squbrigg · #2 03-02-2006, 07:52 AM

Welcome aboard Mr. "Therunt". You came to the right place to have questions answered. Lots of great carvers here and very willing to share their skills and experiences.

As for wood.....that may depend on may things. For starters try working in some Basswood. A hardwood, but a soft one, eacy to work using edged tools or power carving. See how you like it, practice with it, lots! Then try some other types and see what you enjoy working in. It will also depend in the type of carving you choose to do, type of tools, the finish and the effect you are trying to achieve.

Walk before you run in carving. Practice lots and ask lots of questions here. Do you have a first project in mind yet? Try some practice shapes in wood first, to learn how the grain works....the grain is a most important detail in learning to carve. That and sharpening!

Bob

Mitchell · #3 03-02-2006, 09:29 AM

Check the "similiar threads" links below. This will direct you to other posts about "wood".

Also, you may want to try a search by using the button along the line near the top of the page.

Most here would recommend Basswood. There are sources if you search "basswood".

mik1947 · #4 03-02-2006, 10:01 AM

Welcome aboard!! You will find that there is a great pool of knowledge in these posts and a willingness to share that is unsurpassed!! So dip in freely and enjoy where the experience of working in the round takes you!!

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #5 03-02-2006, 10:09 AM

I would say start with basswood, I have always carved basswood and just started carving butternut, I love it, but still think basswood is the best place to start......try Don Wedl at http://woodsource.tripod.com/ or look up Dale Heineke on a google search.... if you contact Don tell him I sent you ....

oops......MrYooper here also sells basswood

whitecree · #6 03-02-2006, 11:32 AM

Where you live and how big a budget will affect what wood you carve on as well. Carving on Basswood is something I would like to try someday, but for me alder is more readily available AND I don't have to pay for it.

Any thoughts on a first project yet? Maybe a simple spoon?

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #7 03-02-2006, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitecree

Where you live and how big a budget will affect what wood you carve on as well. Carving on Basswood is something I would like to try someday, but for me alder is more readily available AND I don't have to pay for it.

Any thoughts on a first project yet? Maybe a simple spoon?

How about a santa lol

wade clark · #8 03-02-2006, 01:44 PM

Hi!
Just about any wood will be a great wood to practice on! Every wood has its' unique characteristics ranging from hard to soft, no grain, extreme grain, tendency to split (check) and sliver. It's best to carve dried woods, but green woods are worth experimenting with too and have their own problems and plusses...easier to carve than dried, but prone to cracking while drying. Experiment and have fun! Pick up a stick, green or dry, and carve something out of it and watch to see how it changes with time.
Basswood, kiln dried, IS a great, safe place to start, in that it won't have nearly the problems you'll encounter in other woods. It's a beautiful softer wood to carve, extremely consistent compared to nearly any other wood. But there are hundreds of beautiful woods to play around with. some of them are like rock, some have crazy grains that will drive you nuts while you carve but turn out the most beautiful thing you've ever done! Start collecting woods, small and large. Explore them. Have fun!
Wade

therunt · #9 03-03-2006, 03:53 AM

thanks everyone, i really appreciate it. as far as a first project i'm still undesided. i was thinking about a relief but now i'm thinking maybe i should just whittle something out of a small block for starters. but whatever i do, i'll share it for everyones oppinions and tips on what i could do to make it better. again thank you.

whitecree · #10 03-04-2006, 12:17 PM

Whatever you try first - be it a spoon, a gnome or a totem pole - take your time and try to keep it simple.