Noob with palm ID question

Good morning;

Retired firefighter in Turlock, Ca just getting my feet wet.

Started out as just wanting a small water feature on the patio and it has grown into a full blown addiction to Tiki. I'm having the typical noob problems(I think) keeping things center and symmetrical, cutting off the wrong piece, etc. None of the things I've done are ready for prime time, but I'm having fun making wood chips.

My question this morning: could someone id this palm and let me know if it is the proper species to carve?

stick your thumb into it.

if it's solid & you can't just push your thumb right through it, you're good.

if it's kinda squishy and just a bunch of loose fibers, and you can just stick your thumb right through it, toss it.

also, some fan palms are really soft in the middle, but firm toward the outer part, and are still good & carve-able.

[ Edited by: pjc5150 2013-09-19 11:02 ]

That there is a Mexican Fan Palm, the best carving palm in CA.

Many thanks

Now that you've shown us the 'before', I hope you show us the 'after'!

Turlock's not a big place, do you know a carver named Jungle Trader? I believe he lives there...

Roughed him out yesterday. Actually got it to look somewhat like I drew him. Have to call him Jarhead cuz of his buzz cut.

Haven't met any local carvers yet, although I have seen some of his pieces here. Way above my level!!!

Nice work, keep it up. More pics!