supermarket hardwood

[Bruce Mack]

At least 2 big supermarket chains in the Minneapolis area have bundled heat treated plastic wrapped firewood which is stated to be hardwood. I see no bugs and each 5 dollar bundle will be ample for many spoons. I think I'll get a bundle, unwrap it and leave it in the garage. Has anyone used this resource for carving? Am I nuts? Comments please.

[Brian Kent]

Nothing nuts about using wood for wood carving. If it doesn't work, you already know what to do with it.

[Joe Pfeifer]

Most of the bundles of firewood I've seen use the off cuts from the lumber industry. This is generally the bark and sap wood they cut off to make a flat surface for further processing. Personally I'd skip it, but you may find something good.

[Bruce Mack]

So far I found 2 splits of oak or ash, probably not good for utensils. A third one is maple. Despite checks at both ends I have enough to make a spoon 11 inches long with a big bowl. The wood cuts well with gouges and drawknives. The hook knife has difficulty. Hoping for other good finds in the $5.30 purchase.

[Mark Greenbaum]

Try the big box store and ask for the pallets. The lowest cross braces are usually hardwoods, 2 x 3" and 36" long. Watch out for nails and staples, but should yield quite a few spoons of oak or beech.