[Woodcarver] Re: Log carving.

[Clive Goss]

Hi Joe,
Thanks for your response and advice.
How long should I wait before carving it, I hope its not one of those wait
20 years for it to dry bit, 'cos I may have lost interest in it by
then.......
Thanks again for your help.
Take care,
Clive.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Joe Dillett" <jdillett at thecarvingshop.com>
To: "[Woodcarver]" <woodcarver at six.pairlist.net>
Sent: Tuesday, July 06, 2004 10:45 AM
Subject: Re: [Woodcarver] Re: Log carving.


> > >Hi Clive,
> > >
> > >Taking off the bark is good to help the drying process and keep the
bugs
> > >from getting between the bark and the wood. I think I would strip the
> bark
> > >clear to the ground, and below the ground and treat the soil with some
> bug
> > >protection.
> > >
> > >The only reason I see the advantage of allowing the tree to dry is that
> it
> > >would be more enjoyable to work on without getting you and your tools
all
> > >sticky with sap. Waiting a while will also tell you some of the
> > >characteristics of the tree, such as true color, areas prone to
splitting
> > >and a better look at the grain structure around the knots.
> > >
> > >After the initial drying I would put a couple coats of good outdoor oil
> on
> > >it and coat it once or twice a year to maintain it. Good outdoor oil
had
> UV
> > >protection with fungicides bug inhibitors. Keeping bug protection in
the
> > >soil is also part of the maintainance. Root rot is going to happen but
it
> > >may be years from now. At that point the stump may have to be cut at
the
> > >base and moved inside.
> > >
> > >
> > >Joe Dillett
> > >The Carving Shop
> > >645 E. LaSalle St. Suite 3
> > >Somonauk, IL. 60552
> > >(815) 498-9290 phone
> > >(815) 498-9249 fax
> > >http://www.thecarvingshop.com
> > >jdillett at thecarvingshop.com