Re: first carving As a starter, I'd opt for basswood, but you can also use clear pine, or that "white wood" sold in the big box stores. That is usually aspen which is fairly easy to carve, too. Either one can be found in nominal 1" (3/4") thicknes, 1/2", and maybe even 1/4". Instead of plywood for the fins on this project I split small pieces of 1" stock to about 1/4" thick with either a hand axe or even a big knife. Be careful doing that.
Al |