[Woodcarver] repair to carving

[Watson Family]

Alex
What you need to keep in mind is that though the moisture content causes 
the movement, it do so in the direction of the annual rings. that is it 
moves around the log there for when the outside shrinks it no longer fits 
around the interal so must crack. You wont have this problem with carvings 
that do not box the heart.
As Ivan said even a small hole will help because this allows the log to dry 
from the inside as well therefore keeping the relivant size the same 
throughout.
A bigger hole only allows a quicker drying.
You felt that it was now as dry as it was going to get and you are probably 
correct. There will always be some movement winter to summer but not the 
drastic splitting that is first evident.
We have the same problem here in Perth with carvings bought from Bali and 
the repairs are generally very sucessful once the log if the log has dried 
out prior to repairing.

Peter

Woodcarvings and Wildlife Sculptures
http://www.watsonwoodcarver.com