Horse Chestnut

[willum]

I have some still green Horse Chestnut, large lumps which are drying for firewood which is all my information says it is any use for, has anyone ever carved or turned this wood though ? It looks as though it would be soft and featureless . Bill.

[TreeWizard]

It carves a lot like butternut, and with a little finish can be a very attractive wood.

[willum]

Thanks Paul but here in the UK not familiar with Butternut, does anyone know an equivalent , I think its time there was a list of these woods for those of us on both sides of the pond to let us know similar types. Nice little project for anyone ??. We know Basswood = Lime in Europe and that is about all.

[Big Barn]

Butternut is a sub-spiecies of Walnut I believe. I have found Black Walnut to be close. Not sure about English Walnut (never tried that) - but maybe.

[willum]

That is interesting because Walnut is quite hard. By coincidence son came yesterday , he wanted to know if I had any use for some pieces he thinks are walnut cut as gunstock blanks, I wait to see them but sound interesting . Bill

[luscher]

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don't forget the nuts themselves. if memory serves, the Japanese carved netsuke from horse chestnut, among other nuts and woods

here's what i found on Google :

link : Abigail A. Percy - Designer Jewellery - Sweet Horse Chestnut Carved Necklace.

link : Simon Hill Green Wood Carving: Horse Chestnut bowl

link : A. CHAINSAW SCULPTURES OVER 2 metres HIGH: Large Bear and two cubs

same question answered here :
link : Woodworkers Institute - Forums: Horse Chestnut

also see the attached articles from days of yore :
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[Sharon of the Dell]

I know nothing about horse chestnut, but save some and try carving it. Sometimes wood that seems bad green will be nice wood when it dries more. But I will try carving just about any kind of wood at least once.