Basswood in the uk

[invasion1973]

Hi guys,
I am trying to get started in carving, and as alwyas in the UK we seem to be at a disadvantage to you guys in the states!

I am looking for Basswood in the Uk with no luck. So was wondering any reason why I cant order from the states and ship to the UK ? any laws prohibitng this ?

If I cant do this what wood is another option is Lime the same type of wood ??

Really wood apreciate your help with this as I cant wait to get started

[Rezbar]

I already tackled the question whether limewood and basswood are the same (or almost) wood. I tried once a small piece of basswood and I can say that there is a "palpable" difference. Another good wood (and available in Europe) is Pinus Cembra. In my opinion it is better than limewood, but not as good as basswood. Having said that, I contact some US firms and asked whether they were ready to shipp basswood to Italy. I receive a negative answer. Dino

[invasion1973]

Originally Posted by Rezbar

I already tackled the question whether limewood and basswood are the same (or almost) wood. I tried once a small piece of basswood and I can say that there is a "palpable" difference. Another good wood (and available in Europe) is Pinus Cembra. In my opinion it is better than limewood, but not as good as basswood. Having said that, I contact some US firms and asked whether they were ready to shipp basswood to Italy. I receive a negative answer. Dino

Hi
Thanks for the information really appreciated where does Pinus Cembra originate from ? I cant find it in my wood Identification book
Did they state why it couldn't be shipped.I have family in the KY so was wondering if they can send it to me ?
Thanks again for your input, appreciated

[Claude]

I believe one of the reasons is that woods shipped into the UK (or the US for that matter) from another country, have to "prove" they don't have insects/worms/grubs/etc. in the wood. One possibility is that certified kiln-dried wood is generally accepted as bug free. You might contact the UK equivalent of the US Dept. of Agriculture and see what the regulations are. Assuming there is no legal restriction, your relatives may be able to ship some basswood to you. Be advised, however, that there is basswood and there is basswood. Southern (US) basswood seems to be harder than the Northern verision. The basswood sold at craft stores such as Michaels is over-priced and doesn't carve well. I buy my basswood from Heinecke Wood Products I don't know if Dale will ship to the UK, but you could send him an email and ask: dale@heineckewood.com There may be a couple of Canadian suppliers of good basswood who can ship to the UK, but I don't know who they are. Hopefully someone else on here will mention contact info for you.

Lime is supposed to be an equivalent wood, but I haven't tried it. One I have tried is Yellow Poplar (sometimes called Tulip Poplar - Liriodendron tulipifera) I don't know if this is grows in the UK, but if it does, it's good to carve. A bit harder than basswood, but holds detail well, is light colored, even grained.

Depending on what you want to carve, and what sizes of carvings you want to do, different woods are most appropriate. For example, for 150mm and smaller hand-held caricatures, basswood is my first choice. For a bit larger range, say, 300mm to 500mm, almost anything can be used, assuming you are willing to use mallet and gouges. I have done several carvings in black walnut that are around 300mm tall - carves very well with mallet and gouges, beautiful wood, but too hard for general carving with a knife, except for fine detail. I have also carved maple and cherry with mallet and gouges - also beautiful woods, hold excellent detail, but are quite hard. Even good old red oak is a decent carving wood with mallet and gouges. Others, such as sycamore, yew, white oak, etc., can all be carved, but are generally too hard for knives.

Claude

[mobjack68]

if you do your homework and find out from your postal service what the process/procedure is for importing lumber/wood???? it here??
I believe if the process was known, there are folks here that would be more than willing to share some carving stock, if possible to ship. I have discovered several species in my back yard that have turned out to be excellent candidates for the chisel or the knife. From our end, our postal service HAS to be notified if it is plant material. It isn't the export, it is the import that will be the problem (your end)

Let us know???

[Rezbar]

If you google Pinus Cembra, it shows where this tree grows. Mostly in the Alpine area. Dino

[pallin]

I understand the European equivalent of basswood is Linden. While doing a woodcarving collaboration with an artist in Italy, we sent wood samples back and forth with no questions asked and no problems.

[invasion1973]

Thanks for all replies
I found somone that would ship it to me Itasca Wood Products
Mark has been rally helpfull

The shipping is the killer for me The stock was $64 and then the shipping to the Uk another $100
Think I will have to stick to Lime that I can get in the UK S.L. Hardwoods Ltd
..really wanted to use Basswood but I think it may just be to much with shipping

The only thing i thought that maybe if I just placed an order for 1 or 2 sticks the postage may be next to nothing ??

Thanks again for all your input

[Rezbar]

understand the European equivalent of basswood is Linden. While doing a woodcarving collaboration with an artist in Italy, we sent wood samples back and forth with no questions asked and no problems.

Is it possible to get in touch the above mentioned Italian artist?
Dino

[arfer1943]

Basswood is "LIme" in the UK. Many stockists, I use Yandle of Martock Yandles

They will cut to order, and if you ask nicely, wrap it and post to you.

There are many stockists in the UK, ask Mr Google.