Been carving the synthetic board material for so long that it has to be over 10 years since I've done one in wood.
A customer is asking for a sign in redwood or cedar because of the proximity to the sidewalk and he's concerned about someone damaging the foam.
So I'm looking for sources of redwood. I've never even carved cedar so I don't know how good it is. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks..........
Posted by Michael Boone (Member # 308) on :
peter I dont know where in NY you live.. anywhere near Rochester? we have a good supply at Matthiews and Field lumberyard they have some very nice redwood... also... how about Cotton Hanlin..I think they are in Horseheads?not sure about that address...
Posted by Glenn S. Harris (Member # 2190) on :
Redwood will most likely be a bit softer then Cedar. Cedar can have a tighter grain though, so that may lend itself to carving.
Seems like redwood is getting harder to find down here.
Posted by Michael Boone (Member # 308) on :
redwood is grainy and splits easily when you carve it
Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
Redwood, verticle grain heartwood with a very tight grain is a real pleasure to carve. The problem is that it has become very scarce. I find that the cedar is much harder to carve than the redwood. Beware of construction grade redwood. there is no comparison to the good stuff. Honduras mahogany is an excellent choice.
Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
Got the latest copy of Signcraft and there is an ad for redwood blanks. Check it out. The good stuff.
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
Get a sample of Precision Boards new product called Hardcoat. I saw this stuff at the Tomahawk meet. If you end up back with HDU or some other synthetic, the Hardcoat could be your answer. They put this stuff on 4 lb. HDU and you couldn't dent it with your thumb. Imagine what 15lb or 22lb would be like. I'd check it out. It would out perform wood for sure.
