[James A]

Thats good to know. I didn't want to get the grab box unless it was of a fair quality.

[stickman]

James , sassafras is a common wood that grows just about everywhere and its one of my favorites .What I do is take a walk in the summer until you find a stand of sassafras (usually smaller trees like walking stick size )although I have seen really large trees also .I then remember where they are and go back in the winter and harvest what I want (please always ask for permission if you don't own the property)then when I get home I seal the cut end with wax and let the dry for at least 6 months .Its carves very nice not as good as bass wood but its free.

[mdallensr]

James A, basswood is as good as wood gets for carvings that you're going to paint. If you're going to use a natural finish, to let the wood grain and color show, your choices become as varied as there are species of wood. My favorites are Honduran mahogany, butternut, cypress, lacewood, walnut, sycamore, and cherry. A step beyond the species of wood is how its cut. You get some beautiful rays and figure in quarter-sawn wood, and that can make a plain carving much more interesting. I've gone where my carving interest has taken my in my 10+ years of wood carving, and now do a lot of natural finish carvings, so different woods and their finishes are as interesting to me as the carving itself. I think all of these variations add interest to carving, but they can be a bit intimidating at first, and even discouraging if they get you spread too thin.

The best way to see all of these woods and carving styles is at carving shows. WCI is also a a great source, as is the photo gallery on this website. You'll know it when something grabs your interest, and you'll want to really focus on a style or subject until you master it. Good luck, be safe, and enjoy. Mike

[artolver]

wow I am hurt...
I can't believe no one put in a word for Cottonwood Bark. Well if you find
the bark that is worthy you can find so many things to carve. It comes in colors of yellows red and brown. If you try it, you should like it. Although sometimes it hard to find. Ask around.
art olver
thebarkguy

[Rogheff]

What about Diamond Willow? I haven't seen any mention of it. Soft and easy to carve, Strong enough for a very strudy walking stick and absolutely gorgeous.

[artolver]

Rog,
You are right, diamond willow is great also I gather up for some of my friends
when I am on the Missouri River. Most like it for walkin sticks, some come up with lots of lamps and all kinds of gadgets.
art

[vacation212]

Willow is faairly good.

[mikeGinSC]

Well because it's free and abundant around these parts, I like to use Mtn Laurel. Mostly sticks in the round, just peel the thin bark off, and I also use it for walking sticks too.

Mike G. in SC

[James A]

I guess the biggest problem I am having on finding wood, especially free wood, is that the wood that the main trees we have around here is pecan, willow, ceder, pine, and I think even some birch.

[Mitchell]

Pecan is not bad because it's good interesting grain; but hard when dry. Cedar is used frequently and many have already discussed pine. Birch and willow are great for walking sticks and woodspirits.

It really depends on what you want to carve....hence my earlier comment about getting confused.