Wood moisture when carving
I recently purchased some plates. The first one I carved was ok the second one seems to be very dry. Wood chips,and tears to easy,cannot get a smooth cut. What are your ideas on how to get the wood back to a carveable condition? Your help much needed. Thanks Joe
hi Joe
There are a couple of things you can do to increase the moisture content of the wood. You can increase the moisture content as you carve by having a spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol. Spray the wood as you carve and The wood will carve more easily. Rubbing alcohol evaporators more quickly than water.
Another way to increase the moisture content of your plate is to take a cooler with a lid that’s large enough to hold your plate inside. Take a pot of boiling water and place it inside the cooler with your plate on edge, cover the cooler and let it sit overnight. The moisture throughout the entire piece of wood will be ready to carve in the morning.
Make sure your knife is razor-sharp and try to carve with the grain as often as possible. I’m sure one of these two methods will help as well. If you have any other questions please let me know.
Sincerely,
Marty
