Notes From The ‘Net
Questions and Answers About Carving Gathered From Popular Carving Groups
Edited by Matt Kelley
Welcome carving friends to NFTN, version 2.0. In this ongoing series we will gather the best questions, answers and comments from the more active Facebook and mail list carving groups, such as the Woodcarver List, Woodcarving 101 — The Joy of Woodcarving, and the International Fish Carvers & Painters Association, and present them here.
Enjoy, and Carve On!
From Wood Carvmg 101
Brian Pacholka asked:
I want to carve a turtle and leave it out in the weather. What is the best wood to use and the best way to preserve it. Once I put it out, it will never be touched again so I want it to last as long as possible.
Jim Doyle replied:
Not so much the type of wood, but the cut. I always opt for heartwood.
Ron Snow added:
White or Red Cedar, Teak, or Cypress. A few coats of boiled linseed oil, thinned.
Perry A. Reynolds commented:
Jim and Ron just gave you the best information for what your seeking to do
Ron Snow added:
I suggested those woods, especially the Teak and Cypress, because they are almost impervious to weather and age to a beautiful gray over time.
From Perry A. Reynolds
The Knife and The Tree!
For thousands of years the knife has been an indispensable tool. Though at one time made of stone or bone, the knife, in all of its forms, has graced the hand of mankind. The tree is much as man is! It has given man kind warmth, shelter, food and raw materials necessary to survive. It is born from its parents seed and at first is weak and fragile. It suffers from cuts and bruises and bears the many scars of life. It is prone to disease just as we are and its goal is to bear offspring to insure the continuance of future generations. As it grows old it becomes weaker and then when its time comes it dies and returns to the soil. It is much as we are. So, the next time you carve, think about that knife and that tree and do your best to give both the fitting tribute that they deserve!
That’s it for this edition of NFTN. If you see a post on one of the FB groups or Mail Listservs that you think should be preserved in NFTN, please use the form below to submit your suggestion.