[Woodcarver] End Seals & Pentacryl

[Jean Athey]

Thanks, Joe Dillett, for your response to my questions
about treating mold on curly mango and the quality of
ornamental pear wood. I'm sending this via the List
because others may benefit from your answers, or those
from other experienced green wood folks.

I'm wondering if ornamental pear is the same as pear
fruitwood, it just doesn't produce fruit?

You mentioned sealing the ends of the green wood with
poly varnish. When I was on the List long ago, I
recall your suggestion that carvers try using as an
end sealer the wax gaskets (I think) that plumbers use
to set toilets. Have you found that poly works better,
and did you used to melt the wax gaskets and paint the
wax on the ends? I've not seen these gaskets, so I
don't know what they look like.

Lastly, I've been asked to carve a squirrel cane
handle and the grain of the green pear wood would look
nice on it, so I may try to power carve it green. If
so, what's the latest opinions on Pentacryl? Can I
carve something as relative small as a cane handle,
then it and paint it with Pentacryl with success? I've
just ordered the Pentacryl for the first time. I'd
appreciate someone discussing its use.

Thanks,
Jean Athey
Avila Beach, CA

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