Hey everyone! I stumbled upon a 6-foot long piece of lime wood (I think it's basswood) that's about 8 inches in diameter. It's been sitting for about 4 weeks now, and I feel like it was calling me. I'm hoping to carve a lifesize cat sculpture to honor my best friend who passed away last year. Is that too ambitious for my first carving project? I reckon I might get 3 or 4 tries from this length. I could really use your advice on how to prepare the wood! Should I strip the bark, cut it into sections, apply PVA to the ends, and just start working on one block while keeping the rest in a cool, dark place? Also, I've dabbled in whittling but never done full-on carving. I have access to my dad's old tools, but they will need sharpening. Thanks in advance for any tips!
2 Answers
Hey Al! It's great that you found that piece of lime wood! Before you start carving, you should really let it dry for about 3 to 6 months to avoid cracking. I wouldn't strip the bark until it's dried out. Maybe consider painting the ends with some old house paint to help prevent cracking as it dries. If you're feeling adventurous, you could cut off a small section now for practicing 'greenwood carving' — that way, you can still have some material left for your main project later! What do you think?
Thanks for the tips! Should I store the wood as one long piece or cut it into sections? I'm worried about it being too cold by the time it dries.
If you don't get enough feedback here, I highly recommend checking out r/whittling. Although I've only done a few green pieces myself, there are some folks there who might have loads of helpful experiences to share! Good luck with your carving journey!
Thanks! I’ll definitely check it out.
That's solid advice! Also, if you're unsure about the moisture levels, picking up a moisture meter could be helpful, especially if you're worried about it being too cold when the time comes to carve. Just keep an eye on the wood, and you’ll get the hang of it!