any kind of wood?

[mikeveen]

can i use any kind of wood i mean can i use the treated pine 2x4's on my job site to carve with or do i need some kind of specialty wood from somewhere if i can use anywood great because i have alot of wood from my job in construction i have cut into blocks to make chess pieces if not is there somewhere i can find this wood locally like at lowes or home depot?

also does anyone know if i can get a good wood carving knife at somewhere like lowes or home depot or would i have to find a specialty shop.

Also what are some other good tools for wood carving for say for instance making the rounded indentions in a chess piece like a pawn?

[AlArchie]

MOST any kind of wood can be used for carving, BUT I would definitely NOT use any kind of treated wood. No telling exactly what type of preservatives are in those. All are toxic and some are extremely toxic..

Other than those , you can use pine, cedar, hemlock (may have some allergic reactions to tis one), balsam, oak, cherry....well most any wood you find in construction.

Al

[Mitchell]

Hope you don't mind, but I separated your questions so that they all could get addressed.

You can carve about any type of wood, it's just a matter of what results you are expecting.

Some here use a utility knife quite successfully. A pocket knife will work. Best to learn to sharpen. There are multiple threads on beginner knife recommendations.

I'm not sure about the rounded indentions..... I would assume that the indentions that you are referring to are on lathe turned pieces.

[Mitchell]

Recent thread on similar subject: Species suggestions for chess set

Another: Wanting to make a chess set...

More: chess set?

What Type of wood to use?

[Timberwolf]

Hi Mike, welcome to the forum.

Looks like the guys gave you the lowdown on types of wood.

As for carving knives, some guys use Exacto knives and box cutter razors (see first 2 pics below)

These will give you a good start. Some carvers use nothing else.

As far as 'gouges' go, (I believe that's what you mean by the rounded indentations) you can get those at a Woodcraft Store, if you have any close, or any specialty store like that. They are offered in all price ranges.

Here is the Woodcraft Link for carving tools:
Detail Carving Tool Sets - Woodcraft.com

Hope this helps and again, welcome!