wood for relief carving.

[goneagain]

So I know were to get lots of tools, books and other supplies, but how about the wood to do relief carving. Many patterns are about 8 1/2" x 11" and call for 2"wood. I have been told not to use fir or pine from the local lumber yard as it is tough and splits. I can't find any carving wood locally and some wood that I have found on line cost as much as $ 75 plus shipping. The darker wood makes a better looking end product but is expensive. What do you relief carvers out there use as a source for your wood and what kind of wood do you use? Do you use bass wood and stain it for a darker mahogany look?? I haven't seen much written in articles about this. Thanks for your ideas

[xsailer]

Darn good question goneagain. I would like to carve at least 2 inch thick wood. I suspect the folks will suggest gluing to get what we want. I'm carving white pine now and it's not too bad. It does split and you have to be careful. I wonder how thick a guy could order pine?

[Irish]

Goneagain, check out my thread in Pyrography, Winter Bird House. I am working on a 2" bark basswood board that has a carving surface ... no bark ... of 8" x 16". Really a sweet piece of wood.

And, yes, it's from Heineckes.

Susan

[Ron Davidson]

I have been using mostly Spanish Cedar and I have used some Mahogony. But if you want basswood which you can stain darker I get mine from Heineke. Wood prices are like everything else going up.



Ron

[TreeWizard]

If you have a lumber and millwork shop in your area go see them. In my area they use a lot of 2" wood. The local place makes handrails out of basswood in lengths from 6' to8', they sell the cut offs for $1 each and they are 6" to 10" wide, 18" to 24" long and 2" thick. If they find a blemish in the handrail they set it aside and sell them for $.70 per piece.

They also sell cutoffs in Mahogany, Oak, Cherry, Ash, Teak, and almost any other wood you can think of for $2.50 TO $5.50 per board foot.

[xsailer]

TreeWizard, GOLLEEE. You are very lucky to live there, wood not weather. Do they mail delivery?

[Mottles]

My all time favorites are Birch, Poplar and Basswood. I can recommend Heinecke Wood Products they have beautiful Basswood and Butternut and wood with the bark on. They are super folks to do business with also. Give them a look see.
Kathy

[scooter]

As an aside (with regard to what kind of wood to relief carve on), I have found that darker wood will swallow up some of the shadows. And shadows should be played to your advantage when relief carving, as depth isn't (always) an option.

I would suggest starting on basswood, get a feel for the technique, then experiment with other wood.

[Burtoni]

Hi Mottles:
Thanks for your Heinecke suggestion. Called them and ordered some Basswood and they were very helpful. Look forward to trying some Butternut!

[Mottles]

Hi Burtoni, you are most welcome and WELCOME to WCI my friend, there are other good wood business folks out there I just prefer Heinecke. There just great folks to do business with and there wood is first rate.
Kathy