Where's the basswood?

[BriteEyes]

: Hi! I’m quite new to the craft of relief carving. In fact , I’ve only done two chip carvings in the past…this is my first relief. I got that book by Lora Irish, Landscapes in Relief I think it was. I’ve got my chisels, my workbench, my sharpening tools…but I can’t find the wood!

That brings me to my question. The book recommends 5/4 basswood. From the method she describes, this makes sense – four ¼ inch layers and another ¼ inch bottom. The thing is, I have searched everywhere and nobody seems to make 5/4 (if they do, they want you to buy a lot of it). I don’t have a band saw so I can’t rip my own either.

Can you please tell me if anyone knows of a place that sells 5/4 basswood. If not, what size does everyone else use? Your help is much appreciated.

[Dale_O]

Where are you located and how much do you need? I have 1/4' up to 16/4 finished and rough. If you only need enough for one project I will send you a piece no charge. You just pay shipping. 5/4 rough will clean up at 1'-1-1/8'. If you want a full 1-1/4' finished you will need to go 6/4.

Take Care
Dale

I get my wood from Don Wedll, he has a small mill, has good wood and good prices! sometimes is a little slow getting stuff out, but always does..tell him dave referred you to him.(I don't get anything! just promised him I would try to help him get some business!) d-wedll@yahoo.com he has a site too, but haven't found it yet! will post it when I do.

Thanks guys!!!

Hi_Ho_Sliver - if you can find Don's site, I'd really like to check out what he's got (and sure, I'll give him your name). If you can't find it, I'll just send him an email. Thanks for your help! Good screen name, by the way

Dale - free wood? I'm not gonna pass up that offer. You're very kind, I'll send you a message with the specifics. Thanks.

OK found Don's site! http://members.tripod.com/~woodsource/index.html

test

[Kenny_S]

Thanks for the link

[howard077]

Again! Thanks for giving us a website we can go to. I appreciate the responce you gave.

[woodenleg]

If you continue having trouble, you can always glue-up several smaller pieces to make a thicker piece. I believe that is the way many of the Eurpoean carvers have done in the past. I have not used that for carving yet, but I know many people who have. Also, you can use mahogany or other materials if they are more readily available. Don't hesitate to let these guys help you....

I have done a couple of glue ups and they work fine...except...always an except! The grains in basswood are very subtle, at least to my eye, if you put two boards side by side and hold it up to light you can see the grains running one way on one board and the other on the other board. but as I said its very subtle...I have a hard time seeing it until I spray on a finish, then it stands out like a sore thumb? It catches the light one direction and makes it look darker...by the way, maybe someone on here knows a simple way to solve this problem?