Aspen Question

[MelNM]

Hey Folks
Has anyone ever used Aspen for Relief carving. I found some good lucking stuff at Lowes and am curious on how it carves as far relief carving goes?
Mel

[cannuckcarver]

I use Aspen quite a lot for walking stick and I love it...But like I said I use it for walking stick.

[MelNM]

Hi Cannuck carver I have also, I imagine it's pretty good. Curious if anyone has done any relief carvings with it though?
Mel

[cannuckcarver]

I found a load of Aspen this morning, semi-dry nice pieces. I love carving snake stick with them...When it dries it is light and it also stays white, I posted a snake a while back in wip section.

[Hugh-P]

My first choice is Aspen also, about 60% of my sticks are made from Aspen. Like all other sticks, there air dried for 1 yr, waxed ends. They seem to be easier to carve when dry. Just my preference

[cannuckcarver]

Try them wet... I did a few time and love it...and to my amazement the wood stayed white... Aspen dries very good also does not crack that much...
I my blog I have a snake I did out of Aspen, turned out good.

[CarverFromNoWhere]

Hello Mel I have some experience carving Aspen's cousin Poplar, in my opinion it isn't suited to relief carving, it is to soft and didn't hold detail very well. If ya do use it make sure your tools are extra sharp, I do know it is great for woodburning on, it is not great for buring in the woodstove, just goes poof, a heat surge and then its gone.
I am suprised ya haven't gotten more responses from the relief carvers on here, maybe start a new post titled Is Aspen Good For Relief Carving?
as far as I know aspen and poplar isn't that great for carving, it is good for cabinets and shelfs and stuff like that, that will be painted, hope this info helps.
Carl