Basswood

[Ted P]

What would you use basswood for? I don’t carve. I imagine it could be used for the back and/or dust panels in dressers or other places where a filler is needed.
I have access to a couple hundred bdf but don’t know that it’s worth hauling home.
Thoughts?

 

[Hmerkle]

Yes, it is typically a carving wood.
Is it dry (kiln dry or air dried) and do you know the moisture content?
What are the dimensions?
(Is it just 4/4 (3/4" or 1" thick) in various widths or is it thicker?)

Depending up on these answers, you may be able to get this and turn it into wood you choose to use...

 

[bob vaughan]

Painted architectural trim.
Wood toys.
Project wood for young people.
Lightweight wood containers.
If thick enough, turned ornamental shapes that get painted.

The crucial detail is the grade of the lumber.

 

[Ted P]

Air dried for 25 years rough sawn and would finish to 7/8” or 3/4”

 

[Ted P]

Random width +/- 8”. Moisture not known but was in a barn up North.
I can imagine uses for a few boards as mentioned but assuming most are by and large Craigslist items

 

[Hmerkle]

Random width +/- 8”. Moisture not known but was in a barn up North.
I can imagine uses for a few boards as mentioned but assuming most are by and large Craigslist items

Agreed, thinking you might be able to trade it for wood you can use, but "dimensional" basswood is not as desirable as say 8/4 (2" for carving etc...)

 

[HITCH-]

Fishing lures

 

[Sealeveler]

I've used it for carving boats for keychains ,worked great.

 

[SabertoothBunny]

Good for wood burning as well.

 

[Tarhead]

Lots of solid body electric guitars are made from it. Typically need 1.5-2" thick stock though.

 

[ScottM]

Intarsia in place of holly or other very light colored wood.

 

[sandfarm]

Painted kitchen cabinet stiles