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jtmcreations
12-23-2009, 06:35 PM
I need some help with selecting the right type of wood for detailed pictures. We have tried whitewood and birch. We sell pictures at craft shows. Any help would be appreciated.
Old Salt
12-23-2009, 06:39 PM
My best luck has been with Cherry. fine closed grain. good color stains and finishes well.
Walnut for darker wood .
jhatcher
12-23-2009, 06:48 PM
I have used Cherry, Walnut, poplar, pine, etc. I agree with the cherry, makes a great carving, the walnut does very well also. Pine, Poplar, etc are fine if you plan on painting the piece, but does not make a great detail in my opinion,, even with the "best" option selected.

Hardwood is always your best choice for detail.

Jeremy
AskBud
12-23-2009, 06:56 PM
Here is a chart where wood is rated in various ways.
AskBud
http://forum.carvewright.com//attachment.php?attachmentid=10302&d=1205283058
jab73180
12-23-2009, 07:51 PM
maple comes out very well. oak comes out good too as long as there is draft added to the project. ash is kinda in between oak and maple.
ZULUCARVER
12-24-2009, 01:10 AM
Any ideas where I can buy hard woods the above sizes?
I live in Houston, Tx. Though the main branch is here, they dont sell wood.

Merry Christmas to all.:confused::p
jab73180
12-24-2009, 05:42 AM
you would have to find a local hardwood mill. i know i can get oak and maple 12" wide at my local home depot and lowes. if you need something that wide just glue 2 panels together.
AskBud
12-24-2009, 05:56 AM
Any ideas where I can buy hard woods the above sizes?
I live in Houston, Tx. Though the main branch is here, they dont sell wood.

Merry Christmas to all.:confused::p

Perhaps this link will help you find what you need.
AskBud
http://www.google.com/search?q=hardwood+in+houston+texas&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-US&ie=utf8&oe=utf8
Kenm810
12-24-2009, 08:18 AM
ZULUCARVER,

Check out the sites around like Bud suggested,
ask about 1" Oak Stair Treads, Most are pre-sanded and be cut to lenght.
Years ago I used to cut and plain up my own for jobs,
plus gluing them up to size is really no problem.


Photo is not one of mine, but what they looked like.
ZULUCARVER
12-25-2009, 03:02 AM
Fantastic stairwell you have there, looks really good. Well done.
temler
12-25-2009, 06:04 AM
ZULUCARVER,

Check out the sites around like Bud suggested,
ask about 1" Oak Stair Treads, Most are pre-sanded and be cut to lenght.
Years ago I used to cut and plain up my own for jobs,
plus gluing them up to size is really no problem.


Photo is not one of mine, but what they looked like.

I have to agree with you building stairs like that was one of the things i enjoyed the most when i did finish work, it gave you the most satisfaction when you where done, and made you think when you were building them. But I never thought about using scrapes from them. I will have to contact the guy that i gave my equipment to and tell him to start saving me all the boo boos he makes for me to carve on. that is a wonderful idea.
Tim
will george
12-26-2009, 12:12 PM
Cherry is wonderful for carving on the CW..

I like lacewood (From Down-Under?) ! The grain.. Holds details VERY well.. The color/colour? varies in shades of brown,,,

Lacewood is expensive! But is very stable from my experience using it for many years.. Not carving for many years... Just general woodworking projects.

For hand carving, many woods will do, but NOT for the CW...

I have had good luck with Ash and Hickory. BassWood which is great for hand carving.. No good on the CW in my few trials...

Jatoba works but REALLY hard on the bit.. As is purpleheart...