Using Basswood

[Dane]

New to forum. Have quick question from the experts. I have an in for acquiring 1/4x12x24 basswood at very reasonable costs to use for carving small signs. Will my Carvewright work with this thin stock (I figure like litho) if I make my depth something less than .250? Thanks.

[CNC Carver]

Yes should be fine. Make sure depth carved is set to less than .25 and if measured under .25 you will need to use skid.

[Dane]

Thank you for quick reply. I'm not understanding your "if measured under .25 will need to use skid". Please explain if you wouldn't mind. Thank you.

[fwharris]

If it is 1/4" thick you will need to use a sled as the minimum thickness for the machine is 1/2".

[DianMayfield]

Welcome to the Forum!

Here is a Tips & Tricks that describes using sleds. The minimum board thickness you can run in the machine is .5 in. Thinner than that you need a sled.
http://www.carvewright.com/assets/tips/CarveWrightTips_and_Tricks_Apr08.pdf

[Dane]

Got it. Thanks!

[JoeinWestMich]

Sorry to hijack onto this thread but I also can get basswood at below the market prices. I know how to use jigs/skids for such thin stock. BUT how does basswood carve? For unknown reasons, I had thought that it does not carve that well, leaves a lot of fuzzies, and requires a lot of careful sanding after the carve. Comments on it carvebility?