Wood for Carving

The Best Wood for Carving: My Top Picks

 

Let’s Talk About Great Carving Woods

 

 As someone who’s been carving wood for a long time and now teaches others, I want to share my thoughts on the best wood for carving School of Wood Carving.

I’ve tried lots of different woods over the years. Some are easy to work with, and some are really tough. But a few stand out as my favorites.

First up is basswood. If you’re new to carving, this is a great wood to start with. It’s soft and easy to cut, but it still looks nice when you’re done. You can find basswood at most craft stores, and it’s not too expensive.

Another good choice is butternut. It’s a bit harder than basswood, but it has a pretty grain that shows up well in your carvings. It’s still pretty easy to work with, so it’s good for people who are just starting to try harder woods.

If you want a challenge, try walnut. It’s a hard wood that can be tough to carve, but it looks amazing when you’re finished. Just make sure your tools are really sharp before you start.

For those who like to carve outdoors, pine can be a good choice. It’s easy to find and not too hard to carve. Just watch out for knots in the wood – they can be tricky to work around.

Remember, the best wood for you is the one you enjoy carving. Don’t be afraid to try different types to see what you like best.

Learn more about wood carving at School of Wood Carving

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A beginner woodcarver walks into a lumber store and asks, “What’s the best wood for carving? Is lilac good? Or maybe basswood?”

The shopkeeper replies, “Well, for beginners, soft woods are ideal. But why not try them all? Grab some tools, patterns, and a vice. You’ll be selling wood carvings before you know it!”

The beginner excitedly buys a variety of woods and a carving kit. He returns a week later, covered in sawdust.

“How’s it going?” asks the shopkeeper.

“Well,” says the beginner, “I tried using my angle grinder with a wood carving disc, but now all my bears look like Dremel bits!”

The shopkeeper chuckles, “Sounds like you need ‘Wood Carving for Dummies’. Remember, whether you’re hand carving or power carving, it’s all about finding the right design for the right wood. Keep at it, and soon you’ll be chainsaw carving masterpieces!”

The beginner sighs, “I guess I’ll stick to carving signs for now. By the way, do you sell wood carved cabinets? I might need to replace mine!”

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