What is the best wood for spoons and other stirring devices used in the kitchen? I have a couple of favorite stirring devices but have no clue what kind of wood they are... for sure they are not like the cheap pine ones in the drawer.

 

JT

Teak or olive are classic choices. 

 

.40

Thanks

 

JT

I've always used what's available locally for utilitarian stuff. Walnut and maple mostly. Mimi has a spatula, given to her by a friend, made from tiger maple. I made a long chili pot stirrer/spoon from a mulberry branch. I think species with tight/closed grain will work.

Mesquite is really nice, also.

I use cherry and the wife loves them as well as a number I sell

Digging around in my wood pile I found some perfect sized pieces of zebrawood to make a couple of spoons and stirring things. I think I'll practice with some red oak first as I have a lot of it.

 

JT

12 hours ago, jthornton said:

Digging around in my wood pile I found some perfect sized pieces of zebrawood to make a couple of spoons and stirring things. I think I'll practice with some red oak first as I have a lot of it.

 

JT

 

Hey Jr, what method are you going to use to shape the spoons?

6 hours ago, John Morris said:

 

Hey JT, what method are you going to use to shape the spoons?

 

I'm not actually sure yet, I assume I'll cut out blanks close to the final shape and depending on the handle style if round turn on the lathe an shape the rest with hand tools and the belt or disc sander. Going to  practice on some scrap redwood first... I have a couple of favorites I use now that I'll try and copy the shape and design from.

 

JT

I have used several methods to hollow the bowl but have not settled on my favorite. Arbortec works well . Have not tried lathe with a jig. Thinking of using a power carver but that will take more time. However I have come by a new carver for grinder that may provide fast result. I do turn handle before hollowing.

JT, any dry wood is going to be pretty hard to hand carve the bowl out, well, more difficult than if the wood were green I should say. I started carving spoons entirely by hand a while back with green wood, I have not done one since, because time has not permitted it. But I sure loved the experience and the vibe.

Here are my amateur attempts, I have not quit, just on hold for now, as soon as I can I am going to get back to it. I love it because the wood is readily available everywhere you look, just grab a saw and cut a small branch off, or pick up limbs from the side of the road.

I am sure you have already researched this aspect of spoon making, but I thought I'd just throw it out there. It is very peaceful and relaxing, and can be done anywhere with minimal tools, even at a campsite while sitting around the fire or on your sofa around the family.

 

And here is a nice little video on the subject, there are many out there, I just happened on this one is all.

 

 

 

 

Another video.  I watched this a while back.  Have no plans to attempt...I like my fingers attached to my hand, preferably not oozing that red stuff. 

 

 

 

.40

3 hours ago, forty_caliber said:

Another video.  I watched this a while back.  Have no plans to attempt...I like my fingers attached to my hand, preferably not oozing that red stuff. 

.40

 

Interesting spoon, I see nothing dangerous about the roughing technique. That is a tried and true way to rough out a chunk of wood with hand tools. The only thing I wish he had done was show drawing the design he burned into the wood. I assume he was burning it in...

 

JT

4 hours ago, John Morris said:

JT, any dry wood is going to be pretty hard to hand carve the bowl out, well, more difficult than if the wood were green I should say. I started carving spoons entirely by hand a while back with green wood, I have not done one since, because time has not permitted it. But I sure loved the experience and the vibe.

Here are my amateur attempts, I have not quit, just on hold for now, as soon as I can I am going to get back to it. I love it because the wood is readily available everywhere you look, just grab a saw and cut a small branch off, or pick up limbs from the side of the road.

I am sure you have already researched this aspect of spoon making, but I thought I'd just throw it out there. It is very peaceful and relaxing, and can be done anywhere with minimal tools, even at a campsite while sitting around the fire or on your sofa around the family.

 

And here is a nice little video on the subject, there are many out there, I just happened on this one is all.

 

Nice video on hand carving the spoon from green wood. The techniques he used are interesting for sure. I should watch more Mary May videos but first I'd have to learn how to swing my hips and sharpen my carving tools.

 

All my wood is either on the trees or dry... I do have white oak, red oak, post oak, hickory and black walnut hardwood trees on my property.

 

I think I'll try my luck with power tools and dry wood.

 

JT

Edited May 25, 20232 yr by jthornton