s

Woods

There are many different types of wood that can be carved with. The best woods for handcarving are softwoods, this is because it requires less force to cut than it does hardwoods.

The best woods for woodcarving are:

basswood

Basswood

Basswood is the most widely used wood for carving. This is due to it being a softer wood with a straight grain. It is also uncommon for basswood to have knots or other defects. One downside to basswood is that it is very susceptible to decay.



cottonwood

Cottonwood (bark)

Cottonwood bark is commonly used as a carving medium due to it having a deep brown or reddish color and the difference in texture between the inner and outer layers of the bark. It is commonly used to carve faces or fantasy buildings. A disadvantage of cottonwood bark is it's very weak compared to other woods.

white pine

White Pine

White pine is a light brown wood with a straight grain with an even, medium texture, almost like basswood. The main difference between white pine and basswood the cost. Pine is much cheaper and more widely avalible.


butternut wood

Butternut

Butternut is a light to medium tan with a dark grain pattern. This grain is the reason it is used for carving. Although beautiful the wood is usually very expensive and hard to find in larger quanties. It is also susceptible to worm holes, but carvers say that wormholes give a carving character.

balsa wood

Balsa

Balsa is the lightest and softest of the woods used for carving. It is also the cheapest and most widely avalible wood used for carving. Some carvers even consider it too soft for carving. The downsides to balsa wood is the softness of the wood which can tear if cut with a dull tool and it doesn't seal well.