Big Box of Wood

[Whittled Thumb]

Yesterday my box of wood came in from Rockler. WOW it's a lot of woood!

Should last me a thousand years at the rate I carve!

[Sharon of the Dell]

Sounds fun!
I usually use found free wood, but I got a great buy on some walnut boards off Ebay that will be hear next week. Then I bought some spalted wild cherry boards off of a man on ETSY, which I got a few days ago. Another good deal! Beautiful wood too!
Both places are worth checking out for great deals.

[Whittled Thumb]

Why not just buy bass wood made for carving. I paid 26 bux + shipping for a huge 20lb box of bass wood from Rockler. I don't carve on anything but bass. Walnut would be uber hard wood to carve on I would think. Ive got some peices that are 2x4s and I have no idea how to use them. I'll figure it out I guess

[Mitchell]

The beautiful thing about carving is that it's such a diversified artform....and hobby. Lots of subjects, techniques, and WOOD SOURCES...... Basswood is not "made" for carving, but is very receptive to carving with hand tools. Let's remember that what 'we' prefer is not what others may prefer.

Glad to hear that you are happy with your purchase. Look forward to seeing some results.

[Sharon of the Dell]

Hi Whittled Thumb!
You asked why not buy basswood? Because I like carving really hard wood! I wasn't ever going to buy wood, but the wild cherry wood was so pretty, I thought why not and it was pretty cheap. Then I have some boards of my dads that I think are walnut, but not sure, he's not here anymore, so the walnut was a good deal and figured I can compare them once it gets here! But the main thing is I'm a wood junkie with a little extra cash right now!

[Claude]

Why carve woods such as walnut, when they are so hard? Because the wood and it's grain are absolutely beautiful when you're all done!

Claude

[jmischel]

If you limit yourself to basswood, you're missing out on a lot of very beautiful wood. Sure, those other woods are harder, but not uncarveable. And I have an essentially unlimited supply of very beautiful wood available for free. In the last two years I haven't bought any wood except for the "blank of the month" at my local carving club. And that's mostly to support the club. I certainly haven't been carving those blanks.

Another benefit of carving those more colorful woods is that I don't have to paint it. Which is good, 'cause I don't much like painting.

[Old Codger]

Whittling Thumb... I'm with you, I love Rockler's big 20# box of basswood! I've bought several over the past year or so and have found it great carving wood. You might watch for sales where they offer 'free shipping' as that makes it an even better bargain! Now that you have some wood, share some photos of your carvings with us! Safe carving to you!
Kenn

[Bob K.]

I would say most, if not all wood is "made for carving." It's just that some are soft and some are hard. Wood is a beautiful gift we all have and all wood has its own beauty. Some absolutely magnificent and beautiful pieces have been carved from all different kinds of wood. Every carver has their own preference of what type of wood they like to work with. As long as you enjoy what you do...what does it matter!

[northwood bob]

It seems that there is quite an arguement about the woods used in carving. I think Claude said it best (Why carve woods such as walnut, when they are so hard? Because the wood and it's grain are absolutely beautiful when you're all done!).

I found that over the years, I've also found that some subject matter requires that it be carved out of wood that possesses the grain pattern and structure to accent the carving. Yes it is a bit harder to work but the outcome by far exceeds the additional efforts. Why would you want to complete a stylized carving out of anything else than a highly grained piece. The color of some hardwoods becomes the color of the carving when sanded and finished. On the other hand, why would you want to carve a simple X-Mas ornament of anything other than basswood. This being carved, colored and finished.

I've found that I now like to be more challenged than I was in earlier years. I find it exciting to work with oak, walnut, cherry as well as other exotics (bubinga, leopardwood, cocobola, etc.) as well as other media (pipestone, roots, solid surface countertops, etc.)

Let's not forget that basswood and tupelo are great carving media. However, Let's not forget to look outside the box for other more challanging media to use as we strive to complete the "Perfect" carving ( I for one have yet to complete this).

Food for thought
Bob