Wood for Kuksa - source?

[Wetneck]

Hi All,

Been enjoying whittling these past few months and done a bit of axe carving throughout the summer but I really fancy having a go at a Kuksa.
The problem I have is that I know 3 tree surgeons who have all promised me they'll provide me with some nice bits of wood for carving but it seems all 3 of them have failed to come up with the goods.

Is there perhaps a source online that one could buy a decent burl or even a length of Birch or something to make a Kuksa from?

Many thanks in advance!

Alex

 

[Mesquite]

You've got winter fast approaching so keep a look out for wind blown trees or branches.

If you find one blocking a path do a bit of civic duty and clear it away. Your reward is a bit of the timber

 

[Monikieman]

a walk in the woods with a saw Bound to be a birch that needs thinning out!

 

[Mesquite]

a walk in the woods with a saw Bound to be a birch that needs thinning out!

And then get done for theft and criminal damage if you've not got permission from the landowner...

 

[2trapper]

if in a rural area, ask to landowners for spare wood. Very often you can obtain beautiful logs for a reasonable price

 

[Robson Valley]

See if you can find even a piece of an untreated wooden fence post.
If it's conifer wood (spruce/pine), don't take anything with less than 15 growth rings per inch = too punky & easily split when carving.
25-40 rings/inch is really nice. I'm buying western red cedar fence posts, very happy with the wood quality.

The fence posts are main stem wood, not branches.
In branches, there are wood anatomy changes which can make the carving process a real chore (Reaction Wood).

 

[Hammock Hamster]

Not that it helps your predicament but I have had some really good results from tree surgeons, your best bet is to catch one when they are actually on the job as they are usually more than happy for you to take any larger pieces as they won't fit in their chipper and they have to dispose of them.
More generally although a burl is the ideal for a kuksa almost any suitable carving wood will work, best way it to split a log/branch in half and make sure you remove the pith to prevent splitting. I have made several kuksa's in this manner and they have turned out pretty well.
As Robson says even processed timber will work at a pinch though personally I would rather wait for some greenwood.


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[fishfish]

Hi All,

Been enjoying whittling these past few months and done a bit of axe carving throughout the summer but I really fancy having a go at a Kuksa.
The problem I have is that I know 3 tree surgeons who have all promised me they'll provide me with some nice bits of wood for carving but it seems all 3 of them have failed to come up with the goods.

Is there perhaps a source online that one could buy a decent burl or even a length of Birch or something to make a Kuksa from?

Many thanks in advance!

Alex

mate i have some wood here,i hold a spoon carving club on the second saturday of the month at my gaff ,limited camping available ,

let me know if your up for it.

 

[Wetneck]

Thanks fishfish, I'd love to come some time, bit of a journey but I could try fit it in, are they every month?

 

[Janne]

You can find wood with curved grain quite easily walking in UK. check the bases of various bushes like Hazel, Damson and so on.
Straight grained wood splits easily after you use the Kåsa when it dries.

In worst case the piece between the branch and trunk works too.
Apple, pear, other fruit trees.

You can do an bone inlay on top of the handle from well boiled beef bone. Large rib for example.

Tell your wife/gf to make a real slow cooked Bone Broth ( fashion today) and harvest the bones.

Please, do not make the handle with a hole like a cup, those are only done on kåsas for tourists!

 

[fishfish]

Thanks fishfish, I'd love to come some time, bit of a journey but I could try fit it in, are they every month?

yep every month unless ime away!

 

[vestlenning]

Please, do not make the handle with a hole like a cup, those are only done on kåsas for tourists!

Is that so? I don't care:

Made from dry pine, works like anything.

 

[spandit]

Whereabouts on the South Coast are you? Got a load of horse chestnut you are welcome to pick through - plenty of burly bits in there. Got some other woods too in the logpile, cherry, apple etc.