Post #152457 by AlohaStation on Tue, Apr 12, 2005 11:58 AM

Most exoctic woods are hard. I've found that Cocbolo and Lacewood are managable (I sometimes carve with an X-acto knife at work). One way to try out different woods is to buy a package of "pen blanks" that have a variety of wood in them. They usally run $25 for about 30 pieces (5'x1.5" square) or $1/piece. Ebay has the best deals! Check out any woodworking (wood turning or carving) stores in your area, they carry woods and burles and can give some great advice. I have 2 stores that I go to here - Woodcraft and Constantines. Woodcraft has a very good website (also Rockler.com). Look for wood turning (lathe) clubs in your area too - thats were I found the best advise about different woods. You may be doing tikis but the wood characteristics are the same.

I'm still experimenting with different woods. Next up is Koa and MonkeyPod. Does anyone out there have any advise for carving these Polynesian hardwoods? Knives or powertools?