[woodknomb]

I was wondering how many here would have a idea how much goes into making a blokc of basswood?

That is a big question ... My total experience is with air drying wood, mostly for bow staves. Kiln drying is a whole different deal, and a skilled kiln operator is indeed a person to be treasured. All I know for sure is that I know good wood when I see it, am thankful the good lord chose to give it to us, and treat it as such. Beautiful wood is a thing to be treasured.

[AlArchie]

Right from cutting the tree??? Depends if you want boardsor blocks. Either way,first cut the trunk to the rough length you want plus about 20 to 30% to allow for waste (checking and sealant) THEN rip it to rough size + 10% for waste, sealthe ends with either a good paint or I prefer parafin wax, and setit aside to dry, stickering the wood for air circulation. Takes about a year for each inch ofthickness to air dry. If you can get it kiln dried,that willspeed up the process greatly. air drying may encourage some dry rot,if there were spoes around when cut....kiln drying willlimitthat. air dried or kiln dried, if it works right,both are good methods, resulting in good carving stock.

Al

Al,
You said a lot, but you forgot all the work that goes into the wood after the drying is done. For many of us, after the wood sits in our garage (in the way) for a few years; we saw off all the sealant and checked wood. Then resaw to square the blocks.

If the wood is to be resold, it must be cut just oversize of a common dimension and then planed to nominal size.

The large amount of waste, time, and labor is what drives the cost for wood suppliers.

I would say that if a carver enjoys drying wood for their own use, it is probably worth the trouble. But, (and that's a big but) if the goal is to save money, it's probably not the way to go.

[AlArchie]

Work? Oh,ya,Iforgot about that stuff! Heckof a lot easier to by what ya need, unlessyou have a ready supply of trees and lots of patients!

Al

I'll pay the price, thank you. Don't want nothin' to do with four letter words that start with 'W.'

[woodknomb]

Well the reason I ask this is because I sell basswood and butternut. I had some stuff already to ship rough! s2s I guess is as close I could say it was. for .15 cents per piece of 1x1x15 now I dont know if you can get it cheaper then that, but I think some individuals think it just comes off the tree like a leaf lol Alot of expense went into that 1x1x12's and so on. from the being logged ,trucking,cutting,trucking,kiln drying,trucking it back, cutting it down to size, sanding,packaging . I know you ladys and gentlemen probable have been doing this years and have a good idea of the process,, but for the new comers looking for that cheap wood! I would suggest grab a axe and comense your processing lol....... I thank you ALL for your response's and time.
The woodknomb