Chinese Chestnut and sumac??

[SHOOTIN-STICKS]

I have several chinese chestnut trees in the yard that will be getting a major triming this fall. Has anyone ever tryed carving that type of wood ??? . all I know for sure is that its very full of a very light (thin) sap. I cut one compleatly down several years ago , long before I started carving , and man that stuff just pores out. so I will likely wait untill late fall or early winter to do any cutting.
I also see a lot of sumac in the reclamed coal mine strip pit where I rabbit hunt every weekend in season (really just run them hounds and listen the the music they produce )and thought I mught start carring a small saw to cut some any suggestions on what to look for . I really love the spirets I ve see here. Maybe some day I get as good as you guys
any way all help appreiceated..
'CARVEONE2'
'Shootin-sticks'
Tom
'If we couldnt luaugh we'd all go insane' :
---Jimmy Buffett---

[clifford_parker]

Re: Chinese Chestnut and sumac??

I haven't tried chinese chestnut but have done several sticks in red sumac with good results. You want to strip the sumac and then store it in a cool, dry place to slowly dry as it has a tendency to check badly if dried too fast and the natural latex in the sap makes removing the bark after it dries a real chore.

[SHOOTIN-STICKS]

Re: Chinese Chestnut and sumac??

Thanks for replying Cliff. I'll be looking for some good sumac.
I will let you know how the chinese chestnut works out.
I hope to have a couple of dog cartures done in a few days I'll post the pics when I get them finnished.
I also have a few pics of my carving tray . I made it using a pine serving tray from Hobby lobby and a half size desk organizer . it works great for sitting infront of the T.V..
I also made a nice carving kit with an old breif case I got cheap at a fleamarket. I'll post a few pics of it too.

'CARVEONE2'
Tom
'If we couldnt luaugh we'd all go insane'
---Jimmy Buffett---