File puptcrit/puptcrit.0812, message 512


Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:53:47 -0500
From: conradhartz-AT-islc.net
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Subject: [Puptcrit] Basswood again



Basswood is classified as a hard wood.  Yet, it is a very lightweight
wood.  This is ideal for puppet making.   Basswood was used a lot in
the past as the skeletal brace in kitchen cabinets because it is so
light.  I have been carving puppets with it since 1979 and it is
wonderful to work with.

If you make tiny shoes of basswood........you may need some weights
added under the shoe for balance.  These can be puttyed in with
plastic wood, etc.   Now, this is important..........when you go to a
lumber yard........generally, basswood comes in various widths and
lengths.  I get 3/4" boards thick boards approx. 6' in width.  I glue
pieces with Elmer's Professional glue as needed.  Now........when
looking at basswood boards........you need to look at the color of the
boards.  You want the whitest ones you can find.  They are super
lightweight.  The more pinker color...the nearer to the heart of the
tree.  A good white or cream color is tops.  It IS expensive per board
foot. This is why I usually get 6" wide boards as they figure a board
foot and then divide it in half.  Simple to figure.  This is why I
mentioned the pallets in the other email at Sears........free legs,
hands and arms to say the least.  You can tell if the pallet is
basswood because of the fuzzy sides of the cut wood and the lightness.
   Ah.....and yes.......the smell of basswood.......something similar
to wee wee.........(:o)

Conrad


Conrad Hartz....Professional Puppets in Wood
3140 Clydesdale Circle S., Beaufort, SC 29906
http://www.geocities.com/conradhartz/mypage.html
http://bellsouthpwp.net/g/k/gkoepke/hartz
1-843-525-6352


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