locus wood

[sgtusmc]

Has any one ever tried carving this type wood with any success?

I found it amongst a load of wood for my wood stove.

New what I wanted to do with it, but I have second thoughts, it caves like a piece of stone, and has a fowl Oder, I'll need a new set of tools by the time I get done.Motorcycle

[jartzh]

Yes it is a nasty wood. I was really surprised when I found that "black locust" wasnt really black. Dont waste your time on it. Just burn it.

[Ashbys]

If it is green , carves pretty well. Dry , power will save your tools and your wrist.

Often used for color, in intarsia pieces. Class level , ironwood , hickory, etc...

Unless you want to use it .. don't there are better woods.

Ash

[Lightningbolt]

Locust is very plentiful around my area of the mountains and the locals call it honey locust but technically it's black locust. I love the golden grain and it's beautiful when polished down!

As bad as I've always wanted to carve it, it's much too hard for me. I have made some great mallets with it for carving, some nice rustic stools and furniture, and I made one beautiful & rugged shaving horse from some thick locust slabs that a local sawmiller gave me for the taking. That shaving horse should last a life time!

And yes, like you, my biggest use for locust is firewood in my wood heater... stuff smolders all night long.

[brian-bailey]

I've carved black locust, the wood is certainly hard.

But it can be worked.

These 2 pieces I saved from the firewood pile.

[tnartist05]

I carved a mtn man in some yellow locus which its called black locus also and its heavy plus a real hard wood for sure. Mine was a log cut in half. Heres a pict of it. Had to crop alot of the pict to get it on here. I carved it with straight chisels that was before I got some gouges. This carving was 9 X 16 inches. Forrest

[woodtrapper]

Here is a piece of honey locust I did around a year ago.It was wet when I carvced it but enjoyed carving it.Keep your tools sharp.Davy