[Big D]

I live in South Alabama.

As a beginner I enjoy carving on the basswood blocks I can get from supply stores, etc.

But I was wondering... which are the locally growing woods that are conducive to carving here in the deep South? (I am sure there is a better way to ask that, but I'm on my lunch break here - no time to think.)

Also... are there any websites that would help me in identifying the many trees (and or wood characteristics) that are all around us down here?

I would appreciate any input
Thanks

[brian bailey]

If I lived in the south I'd be checking this book out.

http://www.ag.auburn.edu/aaes/webpre.../treeguide.htm

Here is the above book author's website that should be of interest to you. Scroll down the left hand side of the page for a description of the different species.

www.sfws.auburn.edu/samuelson/dendrology

[Smee]

Three good ones are Tupelo, Butternut, and Catalpa.

[GaryMc]

Hi Smee, I live in North Alabama (Decatur) And there are all kinds of good wood in ALA. I carve a lot of driftwood, any kind and it works good, some is very hard tho. Some of my favorites are Cedar, Sycamore ( Green), popular and catalpa. You Also probably have cypress and Tupelo here. I basicly carve anything I can find. But for a carver you would probably be better off with Basswood or Butternut for a while, Northern wood is better and easier to carve.
GaryMc

[Smee]

I live in IL. I was responding to a person in Alabama, who was asking about southern trees. The ones I recommended are soft and easy to carve. Once he gets familiar with them, I'm sure there are many more great woods to choose from.

[Big D]

I appreciate the helpful comments.

I thought I had hit a goldmine. A friend of mine works in a carpenter shop in a plant close to me. He got me several nice sized slabs of poplar... but it must have been the wrong kind cause that stuff is very hard. Broke my heart.

I just went out and cut a small cedar tree in the back 40 to try some spirit faces. Got it "drying out" some. That sap is sticky.

I just found out about catalpa. I was talking to a friend who mentioned it. I mean to try some of that out.

Again, thanks for the input

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I just bought some "Kauri" wood...really unique! This is ancient wood, in my opinion was before the flood of Noah! The growth rings are the finest I have ever seen and there are no variances as in dry years, wet years etc.....this very well could be some of the first trees! Anyway...it is a little non descript just slabbed, but there is a variety of grains in it from straight to curly etc..and it finishes beautifully....it also carves great, feels like butternut!...bad news is it is dug up in farmers peat fields and after the humongous logs are removed, the fields are restored to their former condition so its expensive! I haven't done anything specific yet, will make a pen or two to start...I want to carve something special and unique for this amazing wood!

[VAwoodcarver]

Well i was interested in the same thing not long ago and i went i got myself a nice field guide to trees and i already know all or almost all of the trees around and what they are used for..

[sawmedic]

Big D
I live in southeast Mississippi. Just started carving last christmas. I used cypress and cedar on all I've praticed on. Both are easy for me to carve and plentiful in our area.

Sawmedic

[Mitchell]

Do a search on wood types and identification. It's scattered, but there's been some good discussions in the past.

Is Poplar Wood Popular

Is there a way to tell species?

How to deal with fresh cherry logs

Mulberry?

Not Smart, Need Help??

What kind of wood is this?