Hard Maple

[Mryooper]

I was wondering if any of you use hard maple for carving? I got what looks like a burl with a large branch section cut off to it. Not sure If I can call it a burl , but is shaped like a boat lol.

[AlArchie]

I've carved several fish from maple; curley and birdseye. BUT, after cutting the profiles on the bandsaw, I resorted to very aggressive sanding drums, chucked in the drill press to do the rest of the shaping. Gills were incised with detail knives and relieved with palm gouges and oft sharpened knives.

You can work these hard, figured woods. They take time and patience and some innovative techniques, but turn out some beautiful pieces.



Al

[GILLY]

The last time I tried to carve maple was years ago. I got a chunk of rock maple and had nothing but knives to carve it with, man was it hard to cut, but in hind sight I can't see why it wouldn't make for a power tool wood for its beautiful grain.

[Daryl]

Al, that is one beautiful fish!! Bet it did take some time to do. Great job and keep up the good work.
Daryl

[Alice in Wonderland]

I have and I am still carving "hard Maple " with Powertools I don't think I would want to paint it ,since it has such a beautiful grain, there are some facts you have to follow for the finish ,let me know if you need too.
Alice

[GeorgiaCarver]

Man, just when I think I am getting there I see another beautiful pc. You did an outstanding job.

You great carvers inspire me to keep at it... on to the next project.

[RobJ]

I just finished the second of two panels for above the fireplace of stylized tulips. They were rock maple and although it looks nice it was slow going even though I did a lot of the grounding in with a router.

[Mryooper]

Excellent carving!! I am going to take a pic late on and show this hard maple that I picked up at the mill.

[Claude]

Here's one I did on a piece of what I call tiger-stripe maple. Not sure how hard "hard maple" is, but this carved fairly well, just smaller amounts of wood removed with each cut, compared to basswood.

Claude

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I like the BSA medal !! good job!