In this article, we’ll discuss how good magnolia wood is as a carving material.
Magnolia can be good for certain types of carving. Similar to limewood or basswood, magnolia has a fine to medium grain that makes it fairly easy to work with.
It’s also soft and lightweight. However, it has some limitations due to its stringy texture that can result in splitting.
Carving Magnolia Wood
Freshly cut magnolia has high workability. At this stage, the wood is pliable, making it quite smooth to cut into. It’s still stringy, but you can find a way around it by carving along the grain. This way, you can prevent it from splitting away.
When you work with magnolia wood right after it’s been cut, it hasn’t lost its moisture. This means that the wood is still fairly soft. You can use it for simple carving that uses hand tools. Some techniques you can do include carving in the round and chip carving.
However, after it has been dried, the wood becomes tough. When it happens, it gets trickier to work with.
Dried magnolia has characteristics similar to black walnut. It might be tough for whittling, but it’s still a great choice for chip carving. You need some force to cut through it, but you don’t have to use heavy tools.
Characteristics of Magnolia Wood That Make It Good for Carving
These are the reasons why magnolia can be a good carving material.
1. Non-Warping Capability
The process of drying wood is called seasoning. Humidity can create mold or stains that might eventually lead to decay. By seasoning the wood, you can prolong its lifespan and prevent future damage.
However, during the process, warping can happen. Warping is the change of wood shape that’s caused by a loss of moisture.
What’s amazing about magnolia is that it can maintain its shape well even after drying out. It’s one of the few types of woods that can do this, along with redwood and cherry.
Carvers can take advantage of this in woodwork. It’s nice to know that even if you shape it when it’s still moist and pliable, it will stay as it is without any change.
2. Lightweight
When compared to heavier woods, magnolia is much easier to handle and work with.
This is especially handy if you want to make larger pieces or for carvers with limited strength or mobility.
3. Stable
Other than being warp-resistant, magnolia is also less prone to cracking and twisting if we compare it to other types of wood, provided that you dry and store it properly.
Things You Should Consider Before Carving Magnolia Wood
Before starting to carve with magnolia wood, here are some things you can consider.
1. Wood Quality
Not all magnolia wood has the same quality.
While good magnolia wood might give you an excellent carving experience, a lower quality wood might not.
The quality can depend on several factors, including the source and how it is processed. To ensure you get wood of the best quality, you should choose your supplier carefully.
2. Tools
While you can use simple hand tools to carve fresh magnolia, you might need more force to shape one that has been dried. In this case, you might need stronger tools.
It’s also important to maintain the sharpness and condition of your tools. You wouldn’t want your wood to get damaged just because of a bad knife or chisel.
3. Techniques
Magnolia’s distinctive grain pattern might make it hard for beginners to carve through it. It also might not be suitable for shaping fine details.
This is why you should plan your technique accordingly.
Also, be careful when carving fresh magnolia. Since it’s relatively soft, it can be prone to denting or scratching.
Don’t carve too aggressively, as it can increase the chance of cracking and splintering.
4. Finishing and Protection
After finishing your wood carving, you should apply an appropriate finish to protect the wood. Finishing can also enhance the look of the wood.
The finish can be oil, wax, or other protective substance.
Lastly, make sure you store your carving in a dry and stable place to reduce the risk of damage.
Closing Thoughts
Magnolia is a great wood for carving.
However, keep in mind that beginners might find magnolia wood tricky to handle.
This is because of its irregular and stringy texture. Moreover, when it dries out, it can easily split or crack during the carving process.
Despite its limitations, magnolia is still a great carving wood. It’s lightweight, stable, and warp resistant. If you store it properly, this wood can last a very long time while maintaing its original shape.
