[Hooked]

I am new to this site and pretty new to carving. I have worked on two relief carvings. I say worked on because I have not finished either yet.

I am one of those that jumps in and does a hard one first instead of learning on easier projects.

This is my first. I made it from a picture of my wife reading my daughter a book.


Here is number two. I was impatient and wanted to get started, so I bought a laminated pine table top that was one and quarter inch thick at Lowes. It was all I could find there that was big enough and thick enough and I was itching to get started. It is about 25 inches tall and 24 inches wide. My question relates to this one. Still need to texture the antlers, then I am going to stain it.


I am going to do more of these for friends. Probably not as big, but I really do not know what wood is best to use. I am using both hand tool and power tools. I am getting some warping with the pine and will probably attached this one to some kind of backing to keep it flat.

I realize I will probably get different answers from different folks, but I need somewhere to start. I have gone to a specialty wood store in KC three times and walked up and down the aisles. Each time leaving with nothing because I don't have a clue what will be best.

So, if you were going to do a project like this deer, with both hand and power tools, what wood would you choose? While I may try some African Mahogany, I can't afford it for all the friends who want me to make these for them. Also, been reading on here that African Mahogany may not be that great.

Thanks!
Chip

[kitaye]

I'm impressed with the skill level of both. I'm amazed at what you were able to do with the pine.

AS for what wood to use on the next one, I think it is up to you as to the look you want. You'll most likely have to laminate a couple of pieces together to get the thickness you need so really any wood will work.

Basswood (linden) might be easier to carve but the grain of butternut would look lovely. Of course you could also go with a harder wood such as walnut which would end up quite dark.

[squbrigg]

Welcome aboard. That's some nice work there, you're going to fit in here quite well. Enjoy.

Bob

[lorax]

After perusing William Judt's site I started using birch where there is fine detail, and I love it. Yes it's hard, but the lack of tearing and fuzzies and so on makes it worth while. I also like soft maple, with it's warmer look and soft brown lines.

[squbrigg]

Sorry, I forgot to answer your question the first time. I would suggest possibly Mahogany. The Basswood and Butternut may split on the antlers, so you need strength. Mahogany may not even be hard enough. Birch would be good, and give you a great finish on the tynes.

Bob

[Hooked]

Thanks for your replies!!! I have been told that some woods are better for hand tools and some are better for power tools. Of the woods ya'll have suggested are there any where you couldn't use both.

Is there a guide anywhere that describes different woods and what types of carving they are good for? How expensive is Birch compared to Mahogany? I have not had any problems with splitting with the pine, just a little warping. I like the idea of black walnut for dark colored animals, like a bear or buffalo.

Is there a specialty wood store on the internet that will glue pieces together for you for wider pieces? and do they charge alot to do that?

SInce I am going to be giving several of these away, I need to minimize my cost, but at the same time I want it on stable wood so that it lasts.

Chip

[Hooked]

to the top

[kitaye]

Hooked, I don't have any experience with power carving and my hand carving has been limited to basswood, butternut, pine, and birch. Of those I have found butternut harder than basswood but they all four have a tendancy to chip out and break in the most unfortunate of places. Maybe someone with more experience can help you out.

[squbrigg]

You can use both on all those woods. I use power to rough out and shape and finish with edged tools quite often. In other situations I use all power or all edged tools. You just have to work out your own methods, and practice, practice practice. If you use power a lot, it opens up a whole lot more harder woods (Oak, Ash, Poplar, African or South American hard woods, Maple, Beech, etc, etc, etc), and there are very few limits to what you can do.

Bob

[Hooked]

Thanks! Been holding off buying any wood because I wasn't sure.