Wood Carving

Renton · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Sep 2008 Karma :

Does anyone have any experience with wood carving?

I am planning on putting together a wooden box (H:140mm W:280mm D:220mm) with an un hinged lid, recessed a long the edges a few mm to sit on the top without sliding around.

On the lid I my intention is to carve two words in a border as a focal point. I can't give specific sizes about the writing or border yet as it will depend on the final design, but I would not want the letters any thicker than 3-4mm

As I have little knowledge about such intricate woodwork, is there specific tools I should be looking towards?

I have done a little research and have narrowed my choices down to 3 different brands of tools; Robert Sorby, Henry Taylor or Flexcut.

Whilst browsing the Robert Sorby and Henry Taylor ranges, their list of individual tools is somewhat confusing for a novice.

Flexcut offer a nice little starter kit (here) but would that be adequate enough for my project? (there are two types of these kits available, I am looking at the 11 piece kit).
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Ariel Badger · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Dec 2006 Karma :

As important as the tools is the wood.
Pine is rubbish as the grain is too large. Lime is excellent as is green (fresh cut) oak, old oak will just wreck tools.
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Renton · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Sep 2008 Karma :

I knew there was something I'd forgotten to mention; I've been thinking about using mahogany because I really like the colour and the feel of the wood. It would be coated in button polish to preserve the colour of the wood, but is it any good for carving?
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This is my motorcycle. There are many others like it, but this one is mine.
Without me, my motorcycle is useless. Without my motorcycle, I am useless.

Ariel Badger · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Dec 2006 Karma :

it is a hardwood but grows fast as it is tropical therefore it has a course grain that will give you problems IMHO it is just made of splinters. Wood carving is a British tradition, use a native wood.

Edit.
Most Mahogany from woodyards is not genuine Mahogany substitutes
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Renton · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Sep 2008 Karma :

Okay, so I need a wood that is soft enough for carving, but strong enough to make a box out of that will stand the test of time. Any suggestions?
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This is my motorcycle. There are many others like it, but this one is mine.
Without me, my motorcycle is useless. Without my motorcycle, I am useless.

Drew · Banned Joined: 09 Aug 2006 Karma :

If you go for 'Mahogany' substitute, Utile is far far better than Sapele.

mr jamez · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Aug 2003 Karma :

European walnut is fantastic for turning and carving. Quite hard to get hold of as not much timber gets converted from the tree, wide bands of sapwood ect. American black walnut is also an option.
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Renton · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Sep 2008 Karma :

Ariel Badger · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Dec 2006 Karma :

carving green wood and letting it mature is your best option
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Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

sebastianw · Spanner Monkey Joined: 22 May 2009 Karma :

Also look at Crown tools, preferably look at the tools in a shop before you buy them.

Buy good quality sharpening stones and learn how to use them.

Buy the very best you can afford.

Find a timber supplier and look at the wood before you buy it.

Choose a straight grained species with a fine texture, eg Beech or Lime.