Re: Basswood carving

Tupelo doesn't fuzz up as bad as basswood.  Most places that sell basswood
also sell tupelo.


"Chris Gray" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> "Andrew Werby" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in
> news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]:
>
> > "Chris Gray" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
> > news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> >> I've been stricken with the carving bug, and I've tried a number of
> >> different woods for relief carving.  Basswood is wonderful to work
> >> with, but I keep having trouble with the surface of my finished
> >> pieces.  After sanding, it seems to have a rougher surface than when
> >> I started.  I've tried a variety of grades, but I wonder if it's just
> >> an inherent property of the wood.  Does anyone have any tips for
> >> getting that "just carved" finish over an entire intricate basswood
> >> carving, or should I just switch to a different wood?
> >>
> >> Thanks
> >> Chris
> >> punmaster2000 at nospam dot yahoo dot com
> >> remove nospam from email
> >
> > [If you're looking for a "just-carved" surface look, then don't sand
> > it. Use sharp tools to cut it, and if you need to smooth a surface use
> > a scraper. Anytime you sand wood you will roughen it up to some
> > extent; then it's a matter of using finer and finer grits to get the
> > roughness down to an acceptable level. If you are going this route, it
> > helps to raise the grain before finish sanding. Do it by sponging it
> > with water or alcohol. This will cause patches of wood fibers that
> > were lying down at the surface to rise up, where your sandpaper can
> > rub them off. If you do this initially, then they won't rise up when
> > hit with the wet finish compounds later on.]
> >
> > Andrew Werby
> > www.unitedartworks.com
>
> Thanks for the suggestions.
>
> Chris
>