What would be the best wood for . . .

[Guest]

(I tried registering as a member but the website doesn't want to accept it for some reason so I'll try this . . .)

I want to carve a pedestal bust of a cape buffalo that is about 14'-16'.

I originally thought of carving it out of ebony since the color of the wood is dark like the buff. After researching this, I don't know that this is the best idea because of problems I've heard of when using ebony.

Can anybody suggest a good carving wood for this project that would look pretty classy?

Thanks!

jdstringer

[FatEddy]

Re: What would be the best wood for . . .

Don't know exactly what your requirements are, but have you considered black walnut. The heartwood is much darker than the sap wood, so you'd want to specify when ordering.

[Guest]

Re: What would be the best wood for . . .

Thanks for the reply. I LOVE black walnut but have no idea where to get a big enough piece. Any direction to a source would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

jdstringer

[FatEddy]

Re: What would be the best wood for . . .

Beats me, but I'll bet my good buddy google.com would know. Try typing in black walnut and see what happens.

[Jim_7714]

Re: What would be the best wood for . . .

Depending on where you are cataupa wood would be a good choice. If found natuarly dried it is a light brown and using a wood burner for the high lites (creases) may look great. By the way the cataupa is also known as the 'cigar Tree'. Secondly here in Ky the tree also provides a good fish bait, a worm.
With all of the storms coming up this winter there will be a lot of broken trees and limbs.
Jim_7714