My first project: balsa wood heart

[Be Mary]

I recently completed my first project using real tools! (I am borrowing a nice set from my boyfriend's father, on a long-term basis.) A few days ago, I finished my little balsa wood heart. It's almost three inches high, by two inches at the widest.

(I confess, three years ago, I did take a rectangular length of redwood, scrap wood, and carve it to be round like a dowel, using a Swiss Army knife. But this is my first "real" carving.)

Next time, I'm ditching the balsa wood. It's so hard to carve in any direction besides with the grain. >.<

[bigEd_H]

That's a neat little heart, Mary. If you are having trouble carving balsa wood, you may need to sharpen your knife/tool. Balsa is the softest wood out there. If your knife/tool is razor sharp, it will slice across grain quite easily.

Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing. I look forward to seeing your next project.

[Ashbys]

Mary , very nice carving. No in the round piece is simple you did a nice job.

I agree with Ed , Balsa is a very soft wood. It willl cut easisly and quickly when your tools are sharpened correctly . A really sharp tool on balsa will cut by the weight of the tool , almost no need to apply pressure. If the tools have been stored for a period of time they may need only honed to bring back the edge. But as you advance you will want to know how to sharpen them , so I suggest a search for tools and practice a bit of the styles.

Again nice carving and congrats !

Ash

[Dileon]

you did a great job....as the heart is made just right. You just keep on learning!!

[Josef]

Well done Mary, I'll bet it was fun and rewarding regardless huh? Get the knives sharpened and I'm sure you will enjoy it more next time. Thanks for sharing. Joe.