New and green.

[dickyhb]

Yes I'm as green as a newly cut tree, so hope I'm in the correct thread.

Ive a little hobby, float making just started but made a few fishing floats. I love it. Never worked with my hands before but wood has given me the something I need in retirement. I don't and cannot have a workshop, all my work is done on the dining table and packed away, no problem. A small new lathe like the Proxxon mini will help when i get it in May.

But I'm interested on whittling, and knife carving. As you can see I fish, so getting out the old knife when things are quite appeals. But looking for some wood to work with seems a minefield. Amazon do a pack for about £8 but the reviews are pooh!

where can I buy some dry wood to practice on at a decent price I'd like to try different woods some soft, some hard like oak.

I expect a wood yard is an option, but are we welcome for tiny cut off bits. I know i can pick up bits in the wild, and will carry a little saw in the car from now on while out fishing. I expect a large carrier bag would last ages. Just need some feedback on what others do please.

Lastly, are there places to look for simple starting projects on knife carving.

Thanks to all. Hope to be a longstanding member.

Dicky.

 

[marcros]

for whittling, green wood whittles easier!

 

[dickyhb]

Thanks Macros.

Is that what you use?

 

[marcros]

I have only had a go at a couple of spoons with a knife, although I bought a book called tiny whittling just before Christmas, because I thought it would be something that would easily fit into a pocket or bag whilst away from home. From the research that I did on spoons, green was the way to go.

the other classic carving woods are boxwood and lime, but I would have a go with something nice and fresh, see how you get on.

A decent sharp knife makes a difference too. I bought a mora 106, which was much easier for me than a penknife. https://www.springfields.co.uk/mora-106 ... knife.html. Others are available, and may be more suitable. This one got good recommendations, and seemed well priced. I didn't want to spend £40 to have a play!

 

[custard]

You want a wood that's tight grained but still reasonably soft. Lime is the perfect choice but Poplar (sometimes called Tulip Wood) isn't too far behind. Poplar is the main timber used alongside MDF and ply for painted kitchen units, so it's very widely available. You'll also need a plan for cutting it down to the cross sections you need for plugs and floats, if you're working at your dining table it'll be a bit of a faff to start handsawing and planing it to final dimensions. It's a shame you're not closer or you'd be welcome to all the off-cuts you want.

Good luck!

 

[dickyhb]

Custard.

Well the thought is extremely kind, even thought I cannot take you up on it. I expect you can buy wet wood and dry it.

However I'll practice on some wet to start.

After a while do you know by looking what type of wood it is? What is the finest wood for carving, just asking so I know if it turns up.

Again, keep it all coming please.

Dicky.

 

[custard]

What is the finest wood for carving

I'm not a carver but I believe it's Lime, certainly I don't know of any other wood that so well combines ultra fine grain (to allow crisp details) along with a soft texture (that's kind to your tools).

 

[marcros]

what are you wanting to make?

Mainly from research, rather than experience, but lime seems to be very highly regarded. Boxwood too, but is limited in size. They both take the finest of details, if you need that.

For spoons, fruit woods, and a whole host of others are used- they don't need to take the same level of crisp detail, and can have a bit more interest in the colours, particularly fruitwood- apply, plum, pear, etc.

Historically, Mahogany and Oak have been widely used. Oak is probably not the easiest to begin with, but it shows that it is certainly possible to produce a master piece out of it.

If you choose a simple item, e.g. a teaspoon (I return to spoons because that is what I plan to make myself), it takes a small amount of wood and a little time, but you can quickly start to build up your own thoughts on each timber type. you will start to understand whether a piece is a pig to work with, and why- it is brittle, grain runs all over the place, blunts blade quickly etc. Also, you can note the colour changes and stability when it dries. If you plan to make model animals, a simple fish could replace the teaspoon etc.

 

[lurker]

I guess many of us would help you out with more wood than you can manage.
Be a little more specific about your location and you might get an offer
First 4 digits of your postcode maybe

Start saving sparking wine corks for when you get that lathe

 

[dickyhb]

That would be amazing, I really don't need much to get started.

I live in Grantham Lincs, can travel a bit to fetch.

The blocks to buy are soon expensive. £3 for a 6 inch by 1.1/2 by 1/12'' I'd need dozen or so to practice on, so £30plus. :shock:

I cut an old apple tree in my garden down last year, regretting letting all the wood go to a neighbour for fire wood now? (hammer)

Again to all replies.

Thanks Dicky.