I'm making a mancala set for my partner who loves the game, but I'm having some trouble carving the pits in the wood. The wood I'm using is from Lowe's, and I think it's more suited for construction than for crafting. I'm using a simple spoon knife, and I'm wondering if there's a better type of wood for this project that's easy to carve but can still handle a hinge without breaking. Also, can anyone give me advice on how to sharpen a spoon knife effectively?
2 Answers
First off, the type of wood makes a big difference! You might want to try softer woods like basswood or butternut, as they carve easily and are great for projects like mancala. Just be careful with hinges; thin pieces can split easily, so pre-drilling holes can help. And make sure your spoon knife is sharp enough because that really helps with control and precision. Good luck!
If you're open to it, using a gouge could help you shape those pits more easily. A router with a corebox bit can also give you some smooth results, but then again, some people feel it might take away from the craftsmanship. It’s all about your comfort level—just make sure the result feels right to you!