Alaskan yellow cedar.

[carvingbarn]

I just got in the Alaskan Yellow cedar I order last week. I have not use this wood before. Wow is it aromatic. The whole shop has this wonderful cedar smell. I will put a chisel to some of it this weekend. I am going to use it for some flutes and I got some 4x4 I am going to do carvings with. I understand it is a nice carving wood. Many of those that carve the Native Indian mask in the northwest use it. If anyone has used it and has some advice on working with it please let me know.

[Bruce Bird]

Hi Randy
I have a 6 foot end of a log sitting at the end of my drive way that I beachcombed a while back. Some day I plan on cutting into it with either a chainsaw or a chisel. I think yellow cedar has many oils in it.Its used in boat building on the coast because of this. Keep your chisels sharp.
Bruce

[mdallensr]

I've carved several small items from AYC, and find it great to carve and finish. Danish oil gives it a nice, warm yellow color. Enjoy. Mike

[twoclones]

I've been told that the bark can be left on yellow cedar carvings and it will not fall off later...

[Robson Valley]

This spring, I had a good look at a stylized Sasquatch, maybe 5' tall, done in a YC slab no more than 3" thick. Young native carver/North Vancouver, BC. It's from the classic still shot pose pulled from the Peterson(?) sasquatch film. The body hair/fur was likely done with a big skew, very deep V-cuts. There was no chattering or tearing so the stuff must cut like cheese. I can buy a slab 3 x 16 x 72" just a block down my street but I have absolutely no inspirations! I'm trying so hard to make a reason to buy it!

[scooter]

I use it on my masks. There really aren't any special caveats WRT carving AYC. If you're sanding/gringing it wear a mask. The oils that make it insect- and rot-resistant can do a number on the inside of your lungs. Take care around knots, if there are any. The grain gets very squirrelly around knots. I use tung oil and have been very happy with the results.

Enjoy it.

S~

[neilE]

I agree about wearing a mask for sanding. I have turned it lots of times and like it but if you sand with out a mask once you'll never forget to the next time as your lungs will hurt for days.
Neil