[xsailer]

I started a 3/4" x 6" x 31' relief carving last week using Red Oak wood. Yes, I know, it's hardwood. I have a few full size Henry Taylors and the rest intermediate and palms tools. I thought - well, it will be challenging but do-able if I take easy and don't press too hard. I'm almost done and my tools are showing the wear and tear. I'll have to straighten the cutting edges up when done. The larger HT"s performed really well and now want to get more. Of course I should have done this while Woodcraft still had some good choices on their closeout sale. Par for this guys way of doing things. Buy high - sell low.

[xsailer]

Geeze, I forgot how hard it is to sand Oak! Especially carved curvy surfaces!

[mark yundt]

Yes,,it can be a bit hard at times,,keep at it though,your efforts will be rewarded.A few of the things I like about Oak is the color and grain,,,chips seem to "pop" out clean leaving few fibers,,and the chisel cuts look like you put urethane or wax on them.
Many of the cathedrals in Europe were done in Oak,,really beautiful stuff! And naturally it turned very dark over time.
I had the opportunity to carve English Oak. I don't know much about it ,or what makes it different scientifically than what we have here,,I just know it carved beautifully,,,more like a walnut than the Oak I'm familiar with.It would also hold finer detail because the hard/soft grain wasn't nearly as pronounced as "our" oak.

There are some woods out there that are so interesting in color or grain.They're harder to carve than basswood ( very few aren't) but the pieces can be so interesting to see,,and the wood adds so much to them that can't be achieved using just stain on bass.I'm glad to hear you decided to give it a try.
Looking forward to see your piece.

[xsailer]

Mark, I did find Red Oak interesting and I did enjoy carving it. I just was continually worried about damaging my tools. They made it fine and with a resharpen exercise will be just a good as new.
You can see the carving within WIP Oak apple tree relief carving