[Woodcarver] wood cracks

[chrishoward307 at bellsouth.net]

> 
> From: "nelson bernier" <nbernier at tampabay.rr.com>
> Date: 2005/04/21 Thu PM 11:11:35 EDT
> To: <woodcarver at six.pairlist.net>
> Subject: [Woodcarver] wood cracks
>Does anyone know how to get rid of or lessen some cracks. I have a piece of Tulip wood, about three feet in dia, and 4" thick. It has numerous small cracks all over the piece. I have been poring water on it and spreading it around. It will help for a while, but when it dry's it will show cracks again. I have heard, that mixing Anti Freeze and water 50/50 it will take most of the cracks out.?? Any suggestions?
 
 
         Nelson

       I use a lot of large Pieces of wood. Taking the heart out reduces checking but will not eliminate. Checking occurs as the moisture leaves the wood causing the cells to shrink. The  dryer the wood the less checking will occur as you carve. Different species shink more than others White Pine and Poplar can shrink 10%. I bring pieces if possible in the house for at least a year before carving after its already been dried outside some time this is not possible. When carving outside never let direct sunlight hit the carving. After I finish at night I take a 50-50 mixture of linseed oil and paint thinner and coat the wood This slows the escape of moisture. Make sure when using linseed oil you have plenty of ventilation. After a crack does appear I make sure the moisture content in the wood is close to the moisture is where th carving is going to be kept. I take a piece of the same piece of wood make a wedge glue it and drive it into place and then carve it down with the rest of the carving. This works better if done while carving is in rough-out stage. On large logs I allow 16 in on each end to be cut off after it has been dried to reduce checking.Hope this helps
Chris Howard 
gatlinburgartist.com