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I received a woodworking tool kit for Christmas, with turning tools, chisels, and files. Does anyone know what type of wood is good for a beginner to carve?
And where I might get a chunk of it? (I live in the desert)

Thanks a bunch!

i’m a commercial sign carver… any kind of tight grained wood will do. if your tools are sharp then it should make little difference if the wood is pine, cedar, oak etc.
you learn to "read" wood, with a little experience. boxwood and other exotics is expensive. better to invest in good quality sharpening equipment and buy junk wood.

5 Responses

1. Jim H Says:
   January 30th, 2010 at 5:15 am

   In the desert? I don’t know for sure, but basswood is very popular with beginners. It is a soft, yet not too soft wood.
   It can be obtained at any hobby shop. It is used to strengthen balsa for model airplanes. Some old biplanes used as struts. You could find some there if you have access to an old airport.
   References :

2. mike1942f Says:
   January 30th, 2010 at 5:35 am

   Do you have a lathe? Which is what turning tools are shaped for.
   Basswood is available at Hobby Lobby, Joanne Crafts, and Michaels, but you may not find very big pieces in stock. Larger pieces can be ordered on the internet. (Air ports are a rediculous place, I would think) If you have a city near you, you might look up landscaping and tree trimming companies. I had good luck getting a bois d’arc log when I asked to be called if they cut one.
   If you use the internet, you can find sites that will discuss carving and working various hard and soft woods.
   References :

3. Lorna W Says:
   January 30th, 2010 at 6:05 am

   Like Mike said, it’s best if you have a lathe. You can turn pine if you want to. Just about anything without knots is ok as long as its considered a soft wood.
   The hobby/craft stores and the internet are good ideas. Try lumber yards and specialty woods in lumber yards if you live near a well-populated area. You can get some really pretty stuff there and they’re knowledgeable on what is good for turning and routing practice. Ask around on Google and let your fingers do the walkin’.
   Have fun, my husband loved this kind of stuff!
   References :

4. Don C Says:
   January 30th, 2010 at 6:15 am

   i’m a commercial sign carver… any kind of tight grained wood will do. if your tools are sharp then it should make little difference if the wood is pine, cedar, oak etc.
   you learn to "read" wood, with a little experience. boxwood and other exotics is expensive. better to invest in good quality sharpening equipment and buy junk wood.
   References :

5. Jeanne B Says:
   January 30th, 2010 at 6:35 am

   CC,
   And one last thought: don’t try redwood, it’s miserable to carve and often just splinters into toothpicks when you try to carve it. You might check lumberyards for scrap wood to try out. In my opinion, the hardwoods are best for after you have gotten a lot of experience in carving. I like pine, a very soft wood, for practice only.

   There are often carver’s groups in local areas that will help you start off and continue.
   References :
   I inherited my grandfathers wood working kit, and took a 2-year crafts course in high school that included wood carving and turning.

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