What wood is this and is it suitable for carving?

[spandit]

The other night I threw a log on the fire without really thinking about it. I realised that it had a lovely close grain and searched through the log store for another bit:

I've no idea where I got it from, it's in the "random" log store

 

[alan whelan]

It looks like Beech, and if it is it would be good for carving, but can crack when drying out.
Alan.

 

[mrcharly]

I recognised the bark and wood - didn't twig it was beech - I've had some of that, found it cracked easily and mould spores grew in it very quickly.

 

[spandit]

Might just burn it then!

 

[blacktimberwolf]

Beech is OK for tool handles & such but it's not very decorative & doesn't take either staln or oil very well.............it's a very dense wood, cutting boards & butchers blocks are made from beech as the close grain prevents liquids from seeping in & providing a bacterial breeding ground..

 

[yomperalex]

I personally will never carve with beech again, it is so damn hard.

Alex

 

[Bardster]

Hmm looks more like hazel to me, and those lovely radial lines will produce a nice pattern in whaterever you carve.

 

[Hugo]

Hazel me thinks too.
split it and get carving.

 

[Paulm]

Yep, hazel I reckon.

Cheers, Paul

 

[spandit]

Ah, if it's hazel then I've got an unlimited supply!

 

[Harvestman]

Beech bark is gray and smooth, so got to go with hazel for this.

 

[Mesquite]

reported