[GeorgeWashingtonCheater]

I am relatively new to the art of carving, so I need help. I am trying to find cheap, unusual wood in Arkansas, without ordering online. The woods I need have to be fairly hard, somewhat decorative, but most of all CHEAP. Anybody have a suggestion?(Yes I am not a traditional carver, but don't hate me for it.)

I have gone as far as Hickory, White Oak, Red Oak, and Poplar. I have thought about Osage Orange(Bodark) and Catalpa, but have heard horror stories from both of these. Anything you know would be great. Thanks!

[AlArchie]

OK, here's a few more. Try the riverbanks for willow or cottonwood (bark), marshy edges for alder,and medium high ground for hornbeam (ironwood). Cedar, balsam fir, wild cherry. It's best if you have a friend with some woodlots to get this material from, but you can get permits from the USFS for firewood collection in some areas, so check there. You will need to dry any wild live wood you harvest, but the price is usually right ($0.00)

While you are at checking with the USFS, ask them about local woods that may be suitable for your carving needs.

Al

[GeorgeWashingtonCheater]

Many thanks on the types of wood. My only problem is my largest tool is a Dremel, so harvesting is pretty much a titanic undertaking... If I had the necessaries I would never need to buy, but the tools are a long way away from my budget.

[wade clark]

Another incredible source: Your local tree service. Look in the phone book. They might drop a load in your yard for next to nothing, to save having to haul it to a land fill or cutting it up for firewood. They remove every kind of tree that grows sooner or later.
Good luck!
Wade

[Irish]

You might also want to contact your local power company or telephone company. In our area both do a lot of tree trimming to keep the lines clear for storms. Our phone company will cut large branches, ones that won't go through the chipper, and then leave them neatly piled beside the road for people to pick up and use as firewood! My phone company is nice enough to let you know, if you call, the general area that the trimmers are working in at the time.

Susan

[AlArchie]

As far as expensive harvesting tools go, heck an 18" or 24" bow saw from the hardware store for around 15 to 20 bucks and a 3/4 axe are really all you need to process found wood. And if you're interested in walking sticks, a small folding pruning saw is really all you need. Actually you can build your own bow saw for under $10, including the blade purchase. Google "building a bow saw" and several sites should come up. Elbow grease is a heck of a lot cheaper than chain saws.

Or stop at your local lumber company and ask for "cut-offs". They are usually free and can be quite decent sized, and of any species they stock. Contractors and cabinet shops also have scrap for sale cheaply or even free.

By the way, just what the heck is a "not a traditional carver"?? Be interested to see, or at least hear about what you carve. On this site you might find that you are more traditional than you think!

Al

[Mitchell]

GWC,

What type of carvings are you wanting to do? This may help identify a source for wood. Cedar may be a good choice. You may try to find a local saw mill also. They may be able to hold a few scraps for you.

[GeorgeWashingtonCheater]

The carvings I do is more related to handgun grips and long gun stocks. As the name implies, I don't use chisels or anything of the sort, and I do like to cheat with small pre-planed pieces of wood. I am trying to begin carving reliefs into the pieces so the wood I need has to be able to hold up to use, handling, and keep the designs pretty well. The "cut-offs" sound like a very promising start though.

[artolver]

gunstocks need good strong wood, like walnut and maple,
not all hardwoods. I would check in with gunstock carvers.
art