[wood_carver28]

I am in Forest City N.C. and would like to see if anyone is close to me that can get some big pieces of bass wood. If so send me a messege. Thank you and may God bless you with a Very Merry Christmas.

[Mitchell]

The Woodworking Shop (Klingspor) in Hickory has some relatively large pieces of basswood in stock. There's a place in Charlotte that carries it too....unfortunately I can't remember the name of the place right off-hand. Something like "Charlotte Hardwoods".

By large, I mean 6-8"x4"x up to 8' in length. These are NOT planed, but rough cut, so if you want to make them bigger, you will need to join or plane them and glue them together.

[Mitchell]

Link to The Woodworking Shop web site.

I don't think that they have the wood listed, but they DO have it in stock.

http://www.woodworkingshop.com/

{Moved to Wood & Materials Forum}

[Mitchell]

Ahhh-ha.....

Found the Charlotte Hardwood place:

http://www.hardwoodgroup.com/charlotte.html

[wood_carver28]

Thanks for the help Im looking for some big enough to carve a life size crucifix

[wood_carver28]

Ive never carved bass before is there anything I should know about it or is it smooth carving?

[Mitchell]

It does carve very well, but if you are going to use power tools (especially grinding types), it has a tendancy to fuzz up quite a bit. It's eaze in carving is one of the reasons why it's the most popular wood for all-around carving.

Northern bass is generally better than the Southern variety, but is a little harder to get in our location. You may want to try Harris Hardwood in Forest City (or Rutherfordton?) just on the outside chance that they carry it. It's not likely, but possible. It would most likely be Southern though and in your application may work just as well.

Carving a life size Crucifix will be a chore! I can't tell you what the best wood would be. You may want to think about doing the cross and figure in different types of wood. "Hisart" is a poster here and has done something along these lines, I believe. You may want to look into his gallery and/or send him a note if this is what you are interested in. Others here may also be of better assistance.

"Mark Yundt" has also posted some large carvings and may be able to help with suggestions.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Heinecke has northern basswood.....try them

[mark yundt]

Hello Phearson, I thought I heard my name used in vain! Just so happens I did a cross just as you described, 'bout 4 ft tall. Did it out of bass. The main body is made up out of 3 boards, 2" thick x 12 " wide, if I remember correctly ( the picture dates itself by being 2 -35mm shots taped together)The arms are separate pieces.Boy , if you were closer I have a regular supply where they bring in bass up to 16 qtr. 20 ft long and up to 18" wide. Once got a piece of mahogany from them as well ,4 in thick, 22" wide, and took only 8ft out of their 18 ft "plank".Anyway, the guys are right, this stuff fuzzes up alot with power.I only use it to get the bulk off, then do everything with chisels.This particular piece sort of tells a story, here Jesus is trying to turn to talk with His father, just as we turn to "talk" to Him. His hand as you will notice is also trying to reach out as well as He can ,given the circumstances.Most crucifixes you see Jesus is either dead, eyes closed or looking straight out at the congregation, I wanted to show that even He , in his humanity had difficulties, and doubts just as we do.And at times need someone elses help. Hope you can use this info. Good luck on your piece.

[mark yundt]

Sorry, the shot was the right size but it wouldn't upload,,It's at the main gallery.Guess you're gonna have to keep flippin.

{Edit: Added link to picture}

http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.co...php?photo=3678