[James A]

I am wanting to start a wood spirit carving from a tree trunk. The only wood that grows redely around my area to carve this is oak, hickory and pine, and some red ceder. I was wondering which of these wood is the best to carve for a beginner with only basic tools (small gorges, a V-tool, and a straight chisal along with a knife). Also, does anyone know of web sites that offer free tutorials on how to carve woodspirits with step by step instructions.

[hobo]

JAMES,I would say ceder or the pine . what kind of pine?

[James A]

White Pine.

[Paul_Guraedy]

James, white pine is a good carving wood. Are you sure that's what it is? If it's the pine common across most of the south, that stuff is murder to carve. Too much differential between the grains. Makes a real lumpy carving. It also has a pretty high sap content that adds to the frustration.

My advice would be to go with the cedar. It can be a bear with the splitting and checking but makes a real nice wood spirit. you never know where that red is going to pop up. Cedar is a problem tree for ranchers and they cut a lot down. Usually there is a pile out there that has been drying for a while and you can find some good limbs for woodspirits.

[Colin_Partridge]

I agree white pine is great but we have what is called Jack pine as well and that is horrible the sap concentration is just not worth the carving. I like cedar but also love to carve oak as long as its green. Most woods green are nice to carve oak can be like carving rock if its left sitting too long and hickory can be the same.
Colin

[Raparee]

Here's an online tutorial for you, James.

http://www.tusedesigns.com/woodcarving/woodspirit.htm

[VAwoodcarver]

I think the pine would be your best bet but red cedar is very nice also. I've watched a very good video on carving spirits on the diy (do it yourself) network's website that was very helpful and interesting.

[James A]

I have been doing some resourch into what type of pine trees grow in my area. I think the scientific name are either Loblolly Pine or Chihuahua Pine. Does anyone know what type of pine these are? (Such as white or jack pine.)

[VAwoodcarver]

I think thats western white pine which is a bit harder than eastern but i wouldn't be able to tell how it carves im on the other side of the hill in the east. haha..

[carvnman40]

James, loblolly is a southern yellow pine, very resinous with variable hardnesses between spring and summer growth rings...not a very good carving wood. I've never heard of Chihuahua pine. May be a localized name.
Mike