Grip carving wood

[Schme1440]

I wish to experiment with a fully customs grip not just a modified grip. I want to make a high grip which I will do by modifying my hoyt helix grip but I would like to also try one high but narrow. This one I wish to make from wood from scratch. Does anyone know a good wood to use to carve the shape? Im thinking MDF would be good to shape but would probably disintigrate. Oh and im not worried about looks.

[darthTer]

MDF would probably not be the best for carving.....would it not just fall apart.

Maybe getting a chunky piece of pine would be better, since its solid and completly natural, unlike MDF.

[Jacqamoe]

Having a wood turner in the family I've been asking a few questions about this and it seems that Yew or Box Wood are the best for carving if you want something that won't fall to bits in minutes or for that matter be too hard to carve with some sort of ease. You're looking for a wood that has a compact grain and is not overly fiberous - I think I may well be raiding the family wood stores soon!

[buzz lite beer]

Originally Posted by Schme1440

I wish to experiment with a fully customs grip not just a modified grip. I want to make a high grip which I will do by modifying my hoyt helix grip but I would like to also try one high but narrow. This one I wish to make from wood from scratch. Does anyone know a good wood to use to carve the shape? Im thinking MDF would be good to shape but would probably disintigrate. Oh and im not worried about looks.

I've just made a rifle stock from MDF Schme, just give it a couple of coats of the resin you get with the GRP car body repair kit when your done carving, it's as durable and waterproof as anything else, it's very easy to work with but be warned the dust is not very good for you at all.

[wingate_52]

Make the grip from 3 pieces of wood. One for the centre section with 2 oversized wings glued as a sandwich. Saw to profile and shape to fit. finish with polish or oil of choice. MDF will not take detail and will separate along its layers.Choose a piece of hardwood. If you cannot get a small offcut, go to the tip and rescue a piece of furniture.

[geoffretired]

Wngate's method is well worth adopting. A one piece is very wasteful and can be difficult to get right first time(depending on your skill obviously).
Walnut carves well, but with the three piece method that is not so important.

[narrowboat]

most fruit woods are good apple, pear, or if you have i big rose bush that is good not the prickly bit

Maple was suggested to me when I was trying to do a 'proper' one (I use 2 part putty)

[deg]

Originally Posted by Schme1440

I wish to experiment with a fully customs grip not just a modified grip. I want to make a high grip which I will do by modifying my hoyt helix grip but I would like to also try one high but narrow. This one I wish to make from wood from scratch. Does anyone know a good wood to use to carve the shape? Im thinking MDF would be good to shape but would probably disintigrate. Oh and im not worried about looks.

I made mine with one piece walnut root (burl). Easy to carve.

See my posts and pictures here: http://www.archery-interchange.com/f...ead.php?t=5656
good luck!

[Flying Whale]

Originally Posted by John (OSF)

Maple was suggested to me when I was trying to do a 'proper' one (I use 2 part putty)

Maple is a beautiful wood, with very small pores. It is however pretty brittle, and I wouldn't recommend it for anyone without some skill, and very sharp tools.

I would echo the others who have mentioned walnut. It works really well, polishes beautifully, and looks great to boot. Take a look at deg's post. A very nice job.

Good luck with it, and don't forget to post some piccies.