Basswood and Butternut are among the best carving woods. Bass is not forgiving in its processing. I get very white wood when tree is harvested after Dec 15, Cut and stacked by the middle of february. If the tree was just cut you should try to get it cut very soon. If you are able to process as above it should be very good for carving—no stains, yellowing and all wood is firm. A good sawyer will try to box out the pith and first few years growth (Middle 3-4”) and give you all 8/4 and up. Keep the slabs, large knot cuts and thicker butt cuts at home peel them, paint the ends with Anchorseal – 2 coats. Sealing should be done as soon a the log is cut. Reseal after you get it home and stacked.l
If you weren’t so lucky to process in the winter. Cut 4/4 or 5/4 and resaw to make projects which may be painted (carved too if not too doty). This wood will start rotting before you can get it home when it is full of sap. You get lots of black and blue fungi. Doty is when the wood is whiter than the surrounding wood-can’t be cut cleanly with even the sharpest gouge. With all the handling and processing stuff—this will not be a money saver. But great fun!! Good luck. s
-- Steve, 'Sconie Great White North
