I'm new to wood carving and have found some woods tough to work with. Particularly, I've tried pine lumber and an oak branch, and I've realized that oak is quite hard. I'm up for the challenge but wonder if there's a better wood to start with. Should I consider the type of wood, or is it more about my tools being too cheap or dull? Any tips would be appreciated!
3 Answers
As a fellow beginner, I've also been trying my hand at carving. So far, I've worked with cherry and basswood, and I can definitely say that basswood is my favorite. It's super soft and easy to shape, which makes it great for practice!
Definitely go for basswood to start out! Once you get more experienced, you might consider upgrading your tools. I began with Flexcut's stuff, which isn't top-notch, but they've served me well. Now, I mostly use soft maple with a nice, straight grain. I've heard good things about butternut too, though I haven't tried it myself. Good luck, and just keep an eye on your fingers while carving!
Many beginners find that linden or basswood works best because they're softer and easier to carve. These woods are perfect for developing your technique while you get stronger. But if you want to make more durable items like spoons or tool handles, then switching to a harder wood is definitely the way to go!