Hey everyone! I'm looking to start carving wooden pendants but I'm not sure what type of wood to use. I'm a complete beginner, so I need something that's strong yet easy to work with. Any recommendations? Thanks a bunch!
3 Answers
Basswood could work, but I’d recommend being cautious. It’s easy to carve, but it might not hold up well over time, especially for pieces that get handled a lot. If you’re outside North America, look for Linden wood; it’s a good alternative too!
Cherry, maple, and walnut are great choices! They carve well and hold details nicely, making them durable enough for pendants. If you’re looking for something easier to carve, basswood might be an option, but it's quite soft and could get damaged with handling. Personally, I love cherry for its workability and pretty finish.
You could also look into wood blanks meant for knife handles! They can be a bit sturdier. I've mainly used walnut and sycamore, and they’ve worked really well. Oh, and if you’ve got a rotary tool, you might enjoy carving bone from pet stores—it polishes up beautifully! Here are a few of my pendants using those woods.
Those pendants look amazing! I’ve never thought of using bone before; I’ll have to give it a shot. Thanks for the tip!
Thanks for the heads up! I didn’t realize basswood could be so fragile. I'll remember to choose something sturdier for my pendants.