Originally Posted by
oscarl48
Okay. Lesson learned. DO NOT carve mahogany with a dull bit. I have more ropey fibers hanging all over the place that is going to take me a long bit of time to clean up with a dremel.
Good side the pattern looks awesome. Just started sanding and using an exacto knife to cut away the larger chunks. I have an hour or more of work to make it ready to accept some oil or poly (tomorrow).
What other lumber needs a super sharp bit to do it justice?
This was my first time carving mahogany. I've used it many times but in furniture builds or picture frames only.
Black walnut will carve beautifully with a dull bit. So will cherry. Maple as well. Purple heart surprisingly has given me okay results with a semi-dull bit.
Oak hit or miss due to fine or coarse grain but typically no. Padauk needs a shape bit. Now I can say Mahogany needs a sharp bit.
I haven't carved beech yet. Next data point.