Help looking for basswood in the UK

[letsprocrastinate]

Hi,

I have yet to ask my local timber yards, but I was wondering if anyone could advised me on where I can find a supplier for basswood as I would love to start giving wood carving a try. I've delved into the dear ol' google search, which amounted to not much in the way of basswood. I did find suppliers for wood turning, but they sold all sorts of lovely exotic woods, but not what I was looking for.

Alternatively, if there is a wood that's suitable for a beginner that's more readily available, please let me know!

[Andy Dingley]

You'll need to ask for "lime" instead. Europeans call it "linden" as well.

Good cabinetmakers' suppliers should have it - try the ads in the back of the woodie mags. I've got plenty of it because I'm in Bristol and it's a local timber (the best species is really only found in the Wye valley). If you're further North then it can be harder to track down. Sometimes people sell it on eBay.

Price varies _hugely_. I've got a fried who chainsaw-carves conga drums and canoes from it. Buy it from Tiranti or an "art" supplier and you pay a fortune for tiny bits.

Watch out for staining. It's a bit prone to blue-grey stain if it gets wet in store. That can be a problem if you plan to leave the carved surface bare afterwards.