Bass wood

[Greg Ward]

Got a few basswood logs. very light and white when first cut
I've been told the timber is used for intarsia as it turns grey.
Has anyone used the timber, is there a market?
Thanks
Greg

[Drillit]

Hello Greg,
I had in mind that pyrographers like it because it is so light in colour.
I think Hobbyco (?) import it in plywood form for the pyros. Maybe
it is ok for carving. Otherwise I have no idea, other than to try it. Drillit.

[_fly_]

agree its good for carving.

[mongrell]

can you give us its botanical name ,if its the one I think it is its used for intarsia as its skin colour

[Greg Ward]

Don't know. old timber cutter from Dorrigo identified the logs, and discussed its usage, but the 'grey' colour is more likely than skin
Regards
Greg

[mongrell]

let me know when you cut it as grey or skin colour id be interested in both as both colours are hard to source

[Hermit]

I use Basswood ply quite a bit. Great for carving. I laminate it to desired thickness, then carve to shape.

Here's a pic. (Sort of grey, sort of skin coloured, I reckon.)

290118



This little steering wheel is carved Basswood ply, with a clear finish. (Polycrylic)
A bit fuzzy, but you can see the colour.
For comparison, that's Silver Ash in the background, (the dashboard).:

290119


Edit: Just thought I'd add, Basswood, (at least in the form of ply), is used quite a bit in model aircraft building. Nice and light but stronger than Balsa.