rockler wood

[rickm]

i just received that box of wood that rockler advertises, and which i found reference to on the forums. I just have to say, it got here quick. seems like a great value, its 20 lbs of wood for about $25. I dont plug commercial businesses, but this is a great deal. check it out.

[Inadv]

That may work out pretty good, but I'm curious... How do the pieces breakout in terms of size? And, perhaps more importantly how does the stuff carve? Specifically is it good northern basswood that is pretty easy to carve or more southerly that is a bit tough?
Those have always been my concerns about buying wood that way. Usually I purchase pieces for specific (larger) projects and just add a few relief boards and/or practice sticks to the order.

L.P.

[rickm]

i didnt measure them, lol but most seem to be the 2x2 variety, its actually a good selection with 2x3 and a couple flat pieces and a couple larger like a 4x4. Its a lot of wood for the price, so actually I dont think you can go wrong, particularlyif you dont mind gluing/resawing. As far as the wood itself it seems good wood, not overly hard or soft, just about what youd expect from good basswood. I really dont have a complaint, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[Midnight Carver]

Inadv - I have gotten 2 boxes from rockler and they contained very different sized pieces. 1 box had alot of "2 by" and bigger, even got a piece of 4x4. The second box alot of it was "1 by" and thinner, only a few decent sized pieces. Overall, I thought the wood carved OK, some pieces were nice, others seemed like they were too dry/brittle. It was mostly useable, but certainly not the quality of some of the wood from actual basswood suppliers.
Short answer - Yes I will order another from rockler again, when I finish the box I have, but if I want a bigger piece (or a carving that I'm more concerned about) I will order from a basswood supplier.

Eric

[Whittled Thumb]

I got mine last week. So far I haven't carved any of it. Between playing guitar and spending time with the wife, theres little time to carve but I do slide it in there once in a while. I figured the box of Rockler will last me a while, since I carve small anyway. Not sure what to do wabout the 2x4 peices though, cut them up I guess.

[Old Codger]

Rickm... I too love Rockler's 20# box of basswood! I've bought at least a half dozen boxes the past year or so and haven't been disappointed yet even though the wood in each box are different lengths/widths... I most carve smaller caracatures, so even the larger pieces are fine for me. I trade some of the larger pieces to other carvers for several smaller pieces so it's a win-win situation for both of us... Besure and watch for Rockler's
'free shipping sales' as it makes a great deal even better! Safe carving to you!
Kenn