Carving Butternut

[SinsinnatiKid37]

I recently purchased a nice piece of Butternut at the Dayton Show. I thought the wood was pretty and would make a nice carving. I had planned to carve a mountain man. However, when I began my carving I was quick to notice how easily it would split. Now I am wondering if my choice of wood was suitable for detail. Since I have never carved using Butternut, I would like to ask for some advice on carving Butternut. Perhaps another choice of wood might be better.

Thanks for any advice you may give me.

Dave

[markken5889]

Hi Dave,

As butternut defitely has more pronounced grain than does basswood or tupelo, you do have to pay good attention to your cuts and grain direction. Keep your edges sharp and keep your eyes open for shifting grain direction, and you'll be fine. I've done several decoys and other pieces with butternut, and have been very happy with the results.

I'd like to see your carving when you've finished. Please show it off for us.

Mark

[SinsinnatiKid37]

Mark, thanks for your reply and advice. I will do the best I can and will post the results "IF", that is, it's worth posting.

Dave

[chuckbolton]

i think butternut and basswood carve very much alike-- that being said-- there is the odd piece in each that carves with difficulty. i actually prefer butternut- but dont use it so often as most of what i do gets painted-- i like the way it feels when its being carved and love the look of it when its finished in a natural manner--

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

I have only carved butternut twice, both were spoon blanks, one was easy to carve the other splintered ?? They do finish up real nice with oil.

Dave

[Kenny_S]

I agree with Chuckbolton, Nice wood to carve in and does lend to fairly good detailing. Only advice I can give is keep your tools sharp.

[Canopener]

Funny you should bring this up, as I picked up an unfinished butternut project last night and made a couple cuts and remembered why it was unfinished....splintering. It was just a not so great piece of butternut. I had bought an 16'x8'x4' piece and cut it up. One side, the lighter side, carved pretty good; the darker, grainy side not so great.
Just my limited experience.
Jim

[SinsinnatiKid37]

Chuch, Dave, Canopener and Kenny:

Thanks for your response and comments. I will try to keep in mind that my knives need to be sharp and be careful with the grain. I, too, think Butternut is a pretty wood. I have seen finished carving and the finish was beautiful. I prefer to give the wood a natural finish Vs painting.

Thanks again to all.

Dave

[brent]

If one wants eo know about butternut and its carvability, just google... Fred Cogelow....he does amazing work in butternut and the detail is fabulous also.

[Eddy-Smiles]

Jim summed it up pretty nicely..."all butternut is not created equally!" You really have to pay attention to the grain.