Begging For Basswood

lorax · #1 06-19-2005, 05:18 AM

Hello Everyone!
For those of you who dont know or remember me, I have carved for 18 years, and am a full time soldier with the Michigan Army National Guard, currently serving in Iraq. I have been able to do alot of carving over here, and Im getting a few commisions for when I get back too. Well, after some coaxing, I have agreed to teach a series of carving classes. I have gone into my own pocket and purchased ten sets of palm chisels, and I am looking for some scrapwood to teach on. If you can ask around at your clubs or if any of you have some scrap that you wouldn't mind sending to us, we would be forever grateful. Even if its too small to make anything out of, we can use it to practice different cuts, and techniques. Of course it doesnt have to be basswood, but something good for beginners (with no access to a bandsaw). If you are willing to help out please email me at: thumper.chandler@us.army.mil and I will give you the address. thank you all so much!

Timberwerks · #2 06-19-2005, 07:56 AM

Hi Lorax

First off

for helping to keep our country safe. I do have a good amount of Basswood logs here you can have. I get the wood for firewood so they are bucked into 16" - 20" lengths. The logs are checked at the ends but cutting off 2" in from each end gives you split free wood. I could split the wood into wedge shaped pieces as well. The problem with these logs are shipping but since we are so close maybe we can work something out? I'm here in the Milwaukee WI area. If I drop off a trunk load at are local National Guard would they ship to you?

Dale

Colin_Partridge · #3 06-19-2005, 08:10 AM

Dale nice to hear from you again hopefully you are staying safe in such a volitle part of the world. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you men and women over there you are doing a great job. Although I am a Canadian I sure appreciate what the US troops are going through in the name of freedom. I have always said I feel very secure living in Canada having such a great and wonderful neighbour to south of us. Dale I have a bunch of bass wood blocks probably about the 2 X 2 X5 I will certainly package some up and send them to you. Is this large enough for what you were teaching? I will get them ready and send them next week if thats what you want. I am sure with all the other members on this board we can get enough pieces to you pretty fast. Again take care my friend let me know if these will meet your needs
Colin

lorax · #4 06-19-2005, 09:04 AM

Wow, that is awesme! And yes, that size is perfect. Or even scraps, Im not too picky. We will spend a good amount of time getting the students cutting correctly and safely before we will tackle a project. I will email you my Address. thanks again.

Donna_T · #5 06-19-2005, 09:05 AM

Is there anything else you need?

And yes, thanks to all of you who are over there doing your best on our behalf. We really appreciate the sacrifices you've made for us.

Donna T

lorax · #6 06-19-2005, 09:13 AM

I still dont have any way for the students to finish their carvings, but I am pretty sure you can't mail that kind of stuff. Its a reality check when you cant run down to the local harware and get what you need! Other than wood I think we are all set. It's nice to do things that remind you you're human, and take you away from this place. Thanks for the all the kind words. You guys are the greatest!

Timberwerks · #7 06-19-2005, 09:14 AM

Lorax

At first I thought the wood was going to you in Michigan but it sound like it is going to where you are stationed. Maybe a number of us carvers can hook up with a supplier such as Sugar Pine or ? If we send a money donation to the supplier perhaps we can get you some nice wood and a good supply sent over in one or two shipments. Or maybe send donations to Fox Chapel and go from there? What is your ideal size? If anything I'll be going to my local supplier this week and I'll pick out some better suited material and ship it over.

Dale

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #8 06-19-2005, 09:51 AM

Lorax, I would assume your national guard unit has a contingency still in Michigan....and handle your logistics, or am I wrong? If so, maybe arrangements could be made thru them?

Donna_T · #9 06-19-2005, 11:29 PM

Hello again Lorax,
I've got a box ready to go in the mail---several 1 x 1 sticks 6" long and 2 x 2 10" long. Got 4-5 different Christmas ornaments/pins and I think there's 6-8 of each one, plus a "go by" to use for a pattern. I've also included some other cutouts. I've asked two carving clubs that I belong to to come up with some additional cutouts since I'm leaving on vacation in a couple of days.

When I get back, I'll try to get some acryllic paints and brushes in the mail. I'll include a bottle of water based clear finish, but it will be the middle of July before I have a chance to do that. Maybe you'll be ready to paint some carvings by then. I've also included some carving gloves and sandpaper (shhhh...don't tell...sometimes I lightly sand some of my carvings if they need it!)

Keep in touch and let us know if there's anything else we can do to help you.

Donna T