I'm new to carving and seek any advice from experienced carvers on what type of wood I should start of with or just any advice for a beginner would be greatly appreciated.

[Iowa Carver]

Welcome to WCI! For a beginner I would definitely recommend good basswood from the north. Tell us more about what you want to carve etc. Enjoy the site and carving!

Corey

Thanks for the advice on the basswood. I live in Hawaii and will check with local outlets. Any Polynesian inspired carvers out there?

[torpidhummer]

Welcome aboard UCE, about basswood, I don't believe you will find any dealers in Hawaii, if you do it will cost you an arm and a leg. When I visited with my daughter in Hawaii 3 yrs. ago, she took me to every lumber sales on the island and we couldn't find any basswood. Most of us purchase our basswood from Heineke Wood Products, dale@heineckewood.com, they are very reputable basswood dealers. I have always recieved excellent and clean basswood from Heinecke Wood Products, in the long run it's cheaper purchasing from them than driving all over the island like I did. Good luck in all of your carving ventures.
Oscar

[Mottles]

Hello and welcome, Heineke Wood Products is my choice too. They are super folks to do business with their basswood is tops.
Kathy

[Ron T]

Hi Uce,

I was a local boy from Maui many years ago. Welcome to the board and to the world of carving.

My sister brought me a chunk of Koa and my neighbor bought a bag of Koa blocks for me, too. I haven't carved anything out of it yet but I will when I find the right design, something w/ a Hawaiian theme. Afterall, my roots are still there.

Maybe when you post something it will give me ideas.

I've been thinking about King Kamehameha, but it's still a ways out there for me.