What wood would you use for...

[dallasjr]

Not new to the outdoors but very new to carving. I have questions as I am sure many others do. So, what wood would you consider using for making...
1) A hand carved wooden mallet.
2) A canoe paddle.
3) Drink coaster.
4) Cutting board.

[Claude]

Here's my $0.02:
A. Maple
B. Spruce
C. Any nicely figured wood, with cork inlaid in it
D. Maple

Claude

[Dicky]

Here's my two cents worth.
A. Maple, American Beech or Birch
B. White Pine
C. What Claude said
D. Maple, American Beech or Birch
No particular order for A or D

[tonyr]

I agree with Claude.

TonyR

[SeaLeveler]

1 hickory
2 ash
3 teak
4 maple
Tony

[Kelley]

1. Bois de Arc
2. cypress
3. like Claude
4. like Claude

Kelley----------------------------

[jmischel]

Interesting choice for #1, Kelley. That Bois d'Arc would definitely make a nice mallet, assuming you can carve the stuff.

[Donsexton]

Cool post, maple cypress and cypress then maple or live oak

[Kelley]

Yes it is very hard wood but the weight makes for a good mallet. I shape it on the lathe first and then carve the handle for grip. I have several in all different sizes.

Kelley---------------

[pallin]

1. Lignum Vitae
2. Red cedar
3. Cypress
4. Maple (end grain)