Has anyone scrolled with Basswood???

[Genofromny]

I got a nice piece of basswood yesterday and I would like to make a set of ches spieces out of it.  I think blackwalnut and basswood would be a great combo.  I have never cut basswood and was wondering if any has any hints or suggestions?
Thank you

Geno

[woodie44]

Hi Gino,

I've just finished cutting some wordart and a couple of 3D pieces out of Basswood. I found that it is very easy to cut 3D pieces from it.

However Basswood is traditionally used for woodcarving and is a "soft" wood (though technically it's a hardwood). I'm not sure it would be "hard" enough to stand up to regular use as chess pieces. I guess it would depend on how the pieces were finished.

Hopefully others in the forum may have some advise.

Hope it goes well

Paul

[mrsn]

I had a really thin piece of basswood that I made a bookmark out of, it broke really easily so keep the design simple. It was really soft, so it was hard to get a nice smooth surface (your fingernail can scratch it). It cuts well, since it is soft it will likely be easier to cut then the the walnut.

[GrayBeard]

This is a Basswood 'round'!
<https://picasaweb.google.com/grampedstl/GrayBeardSScrollProjects#5524228783909754642>

It was a bear to cut due to the cross-grain situation. Soft/softer/harder/soft, etc.

It is definitely a 'soft' Hardwood so be forewaned!

~~~GB~~~

[Bill P]

I tried basswood on a 3-d cut and hated it.  Way too soft for my taste.  I'm about to start a chess set and ordered black walnut and white maple.

Bill

[Genofromny]

Thank you.  I have made my first to sets with walnut and maple.  Just looking for something a little different in a price range I can afford.

Thank you.

[yyyyyguy]

I've cut a little with basswood, too soft, I mainly use it for carving.

[julief]

Hey Genofromny,  If you have a place you can go look at your wood,  try poplar.  It comes in every shade from very light to very dark.  It cuts easily and is very affordable.  After cutting your dark pieces, finish them with a tinted Watco Danish Oil.  That will make them darker and finish them nicely in one step.