I am VERY new to woodcarving but anxious to get started. I am trying to find a source for white pine wood (completely untreated). I believe I need the layer under the bark but I am not sure what that is called. I want to carve directly on this. I am looking for a variety of sizes ranging from two feet by two feet to four feet by five feet for making Nordic Santa Clauses. I live in Minneapolis. Does anyone know where I can obtain some of this? Also, any recommendations of the basic, required tools needed to carve these would be most appreciated. I am really excited to get started.

[AlArchie]

I believe you are talking about the cambrium layer, but that is rather thin for carving (far less than an inch. As long as you stay away from the heartwood you should be ok, and i some instances, even the heartwood is fine for carving.

As you live in the Mpls/St.Paul area, check with some of the local log home builders; they usually have good supply of cut-off ends, some up to 4 feet long nad a foot or more in diameter, which are just thrown away or burned. should be able to pick some of these up reasonably.

Al

Does it have to be white pine? I mean you are in great basswood country!