Best Wood for Carving?

[Chems]

Would I be correct in thinking that Mahogany is probably the best wood for carving? I want to do my first very small (5x5inch) carving and am thinking of picking up a small bit tomorrow for about £8.

 

[bjm]

Hi Chems

The wood of choice for carving is Lime (Tilia spp). It has a very consistent, but bland grain, unlike mahogany.

Brian

 

[Chems]

Thanks Brian, I will get lime instead.

 

[Chris Knight]

Mahogany is not easy/good to carve any fine detail on - splinters too easily.

 

[Chems]

Thanks, I will be sure to be starting a rather large thread on my upcoming carving and chestnut based product very soon.

Waterhead, another thanks needed for you, first time on this site I clicked the Timber Merchants in your sig and found the one near me, its all snowballed since!