Paulownia or what?

[DManning]

Months ago at the hardwood store that I pester, there were two blocks of something "marked" Paulownia. It was VERY light in weight, had some interesting contrast between grain, and a (sly) test cut showed possibility.
Since I've had them home and tried to work on them I found them to be worthless. Cutting in one angle exposes an interesting grain pattern, but, all other cuts have resulted in the "springwood" crumbling like new cheese.
I have checked "Google" and the previous posts on this site, and they all have good things to say about it's uses in carving and woodworking.
Has anyone else had a problem with using this wood or did I just buy a couple of "punky" misfits?

[Kenny_S]

Goody had about 25 or so Santa roughouts from this same wood and even though it carved differently than what I am use to, I liked the wood and coloring. Many on the board has carved in this wood also. Definitely have to have sharp tools..

[Ron Davidson]

Kenny is right your tools have to be very sharp. I had some problems at first until I found that out but now like carving it.Ron

[markken5889]

I was given a large piece of it from a truck of Paulonia. It is kinda funky to carve, and I've got to agree with Kenny and Ron, you definitely have to keep your tools sharp or you'll get alot of tear-out. Check out my Swan Deke posting from a few months ago if you want to see a finished project with it. Good luck!

Mark

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I have only carved one piece, that was from Goody...but I liked it, like kenny said, its different than what we are used to carving, but still I liked it. Sharp tools and maybe smaller cuts til you get used to it? It could be you have some punky wood...try misting a little rubbing alcohol on it and see what happens.....sharpen, strop and pray first lol

[MelNM]

I was part of the group that lucked out and received a Goody rough out. I remember it had soft and hard spots. It was interesting wood to say the least. The key like everyone said is a sharp tool.

If you have power carving tools that will probably make it easier for you.

Personally I like basswood and aspen to carve on the most.
Good Luck
Mel

[DManning]

Thanks to all of you for the input.
Mark, I checked out your Deke Swan and it turned out great. Obviously this type of wood has possibilities.
I played with the two blocks some more this weekend (even trying the alcohol spray). I didn't have any better luck. These blocks are just good for compost. Large areas appear where the wood (it isn't a tear-out problem) just "crumbles" into clumps that remind me of Rice Crispies cereal!!!
I'm going to give these blocks over to the bugs and go back to the woodpile for basswood and butternut. I will keep my eyes open for Paulownia in the future and give it another try. I obviously just got off on a bad start.
Thanks again,
Dan

[Ron Davidson]

Go to my gallery and check out the picture of the Boston Terrier. It was carved from Paulonia.
Ron

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

ok, that sounds like the wood is shot,,,forget it and get some more wood...lol....geez, I hate to get into a carving and then hit a bad spot like that.....unto each liife some punky wood must fall....lol

[nadcarves]

A long time ago, I watched someone carve this wood totally green, and left in a stream between carving..The carving process seemed to go very well, no problems..Cordially NAD