[Larry A.]

Hi all.
I'm carving a cat in a miserable piece of basswood. I'm new to carving, so I don't know how common it is, but this piece of wood is soft, light, and frustratingly flakey in some places, then corky and hard in other places. I keep adjusting how I cut only to run across a spot where the new method doesn't work. If I hadn't spent so much time already on the carving I'd junk it and start over in a piece of rocky mountain cedar from my fuel wood pile. I started a turtle in a piece of that and it's a joy to carve, a little hard in the center, but consistent and predictable. And talk about aroma therapy!! When I'm done carving I put the shavings in a jar in my closet, since moth season is upon us. Beats moth balls any day.
But getting back to the basswood. I bought it because everyone said it would be so much better and easier for a beginner than found wood. But my friend's dead juniper trees, now cut and waiting at my place for next winter's fires, is much easier. I had to hunt a bit to find logs that weren't cracked, but there's plenty.
Any advice on basswood, other than just forget it?

[Mitchell]

Are you sure it's basswood?

I have had a few "bad" pieces over the years, but nothing as bad as you are mentioning....well, maybe once, but I knew what I was getting into (gift).

If you really want good basswood, buy from a reputable dealer - it's worth it. There's many listed on this site.

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Just guessing, but think maybe you've got a piece of "Southern Basswood."

The stuff that grows in the Northern tier of states and Canada is the best. I've made it a personal rule to buy only from MN and WI, but other places are good also. Here's a link to one of the best.

Heinecke Wood Products

It makes a tremendous difference.

[Larry A.]

Thanks Mitchell and Plain Ol Ed. Yes, it's basswood -- or at least that's what the package said, and the other piece was fine. I got it from Hobby Lobby before I found this site or the local Woodcraft store. Think I'll use the Heinecke Wood Products in the future. I've read where others recommend it too. Thanks again

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Mist some rubbing alcohol on it.

[redbird46]

Sounds more like a piece of Tupelo that is only really good for power carving! Most basswood is smoothe and great to carve or very hard. All basswood I have tried from here in the Ozarks is hard, even when fairly green. The Northern Basswood from Heineke is the best I've ever carved and it is nice and clear and dried just right!
Norb

[Robert Cahill]

Larry,
A couple of years ago I bought some wood in a wood store in albuquerque for an intarsia project. I have looked all over for the address and couldn't find it. I know they had basswood but don't know if it was northern basswood. I think it was on Edith street. You might check it out they said they would cut the boards to the size I wanted. Only been there once when I had to take my daughter to the V.A. hospital. It was not the woodcraft store this one sold only wood.

[Larry A.]

Thanks Redbird. I won't give up on basswood; I'll just get some that's good. Robert, I know Edith Blvd, so I'll see if the store you mentioned is still around. I sounds perfect. In the meantime I'll try the rubbing alcohol technique mentioned by Hi Ho Silver. Lots of help from lots of folks. Thanks to all.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Don't give up on Basswood just get some good stuff. You can find what you want at Heineke Wood Products.

Heinecke Wood Products

[Just Carving]

Alcohol works in the short term, i.e. when you unknowingly get a bad piece--but it's best not to do it all the time--I think it's discouraging. Better to get some good basswood from Heinecke. You won't be sorry and the price is great. You order by phone, and it's there in a few days. Then you drool and carve!! A week or so later, you get the bill and you can't believe the price is so reasonable for the quality of the wood and the service you got.

Also, ask Dale if he has any butternut--that's good too. And tell him the guys at the forum sent you!

Bob L