Got some wood, now what?

[resnikov]

My work is next to a building site and they were felling trees there today so I went over and asked for piece. They very kindly gave me this.

Pattern 58 cup just for scale.


Now I'm very new to carving and would like to have a go at a spoon or 2 and maybe a bowl though this might be biting off more then I can chew.

What's the best way to go about this and cut up this log ?

Also it was chopped down today so should I leave it for a bit before I do anything or do I need to crack on before it dries out ?

Any other information would be gratefully appreciated.

 

[Muddypaws]

Nice log! Split it in half now, so you can split it where you want, not where it decides to. Keep one half for bowl blanks, and split the other half down further for spoon blanks. It will be easier to carve while it is still green.
Hope this helps

 

[resnikov]

I have an axe of dubious quality and sharpness so would it be best to saw it ?

 

[brancho]

I have an axe of dubious quality and sharpness so would it be best to saw it ?

The axes sharpness is not the key to slpitting this start it with the axe then drive in some wooden wedges it will be easier than had sawing

 

[Harvestman]

Out of curiosity, what wood is it? Looks a bit horse-chestnutty to me. If so, I've been told that Horse chestnut isn't very good for turning, apparently. Dunno why. Should carve ok though. Split it as Muddypaws and Brancho have said.

 

[mrmike]

Out of curiosity, what wood is it? Looks a bit horse-chestnutty to me. If so, I've been told that Horse chestnut isn't very good for turning, apparently. Dunno why. Should carve ok though. Split it as Muddypaws and Brancho have said.

Looks a bit like scots pine to me

 

[resnikov]

Not really sure what wood it is, think its a pine. Its most pine trees where they were doing to the work but there was the odd other.

 

[Harvestman]

On closer look, yes, pine it is. That'll teach me to look at the wood as well as the bark! Pine is great for first carvings and whittlings, especially when green, as it is soft, but holds a good shape. I made a small drinking cup from a small bit in about an hour or so with a spoon knife.

 

[WeThePeoplexfbm]

FIRE


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Skipp