BASSWOOD
Considered hard wood

Botanical Name: Tilia americana
Lightweight and easy to work, basswood has been considered one of the world's foremost carving woods for centuries. It can be shaped to remarkably fine detail. It is odor-free and has been used extensively for domestic goods such as kitchen utensils and food containers. Basswood is considered unsuitable for outdoor duty because it weathers poorly.
Other Names: American linden, linn, lime tree; American lime (U.K.).
Sources: Eastern Canada and U.S.A.
Characteristics: Straight grain; fine texture; creamy white darkening to
creamy brown.
Uses: Turning, carving, pattern making, toys, piano keys, match splints, boxes
and crates.
Workability: Very good; blunts cutters slightly; poor bending properties.
Finishing: Generally good with all finishes.
Weight: 26 lb. / cu. ft.
Price: Inexpensive (slightly higher for thick 12/4 and 16/4 kiln dried carving stock).

         BAYO
Considered hard wood

Botanical Name: Aspidosperma cruentum
A wonderful, easy-working, bayo is a "lesser-known species" hardwood that is often available in large sizes and sometimes cut into veneers. Not only attractive, bayo is also very decay- resistant.
Sources: Southeast Mexico, Belize, Honduras.
Characteristics:Straight and slightly interlocking grain; medium to fine texture; heartwood: brownish pink; sapwood: cream with a pinkish blush throughout.
Uses: Cabinet work, turning, framing, furniture and decorative veneers.
Workability: Generally good; does not take nails well; good bending properties.
Finishing: Accepts finishes well.
Weight: 37/-46 lb./cu. ft.
Price: Moderate