Carved green wood, can I prevent cracking?

[Zenaphobe]

I am a total newbie and got the urge one day to cut a branch off a Chestnut tree that looked like it would make a nice club/Shillelagh and started carving it and have begun sanding off the tool marks.

Now I have learned that my project is likely to crack because it was green wood and I am hoping someone might know how I can minimize this potential damage.

Thanks!

[Mitchell]

Search "Prevent cracking" here on the site.

Basically, you will find that you need to slow the drying process by covering with a bag.

Here's a recent thread: Large carving from green wood - mold problem

I have used a chemical called Pentacryl with some success.

[Don R]

I have carved a lot of Hiking Staffs and Walking Sticks using green wood and very,very few of them crack or split. I use Dogwood, Maple and Oak saplings with an occasional Yellow Poplar, but I have never used Chestnut. I try to get them completed and the finish on them within 2 to 3 weeks so that they are completely sealed. Between carving sessions I use a long plastic bag to slow down the drying process. For the finish, I use Deft brushing lacquer, 5 coats minimum.
Good luck. Let us know how yours turns out.
DonR

[Zenaphobe]

Thanks for the input!

[AlArchie]

Walkking sticks and the like are less likely to split than larger diameter piecess, so maybe your worries are baseless. I've carved many sticks and only a few have split...and when they did it didn't affect the strength or integrity of the stick. Personal opinion is that even small cracks on carved areas of walking sticks or canes just add to the charm of hand carved sticks.

Al

[A_Swope]

try putting wax on the bottom to slow down the drying process

[kcrow@flumc.org]

Allen Goodman, master carver, uses Pentacryl and highly suggests it.

WOOD STABILIZER Until now, carving wet wood often meant disappointment. As the wood dried it would usually crack or split, sometimes even ruining a carving! To use this amazing wood stabilizer either soak your wood in it or brush it on at the end of each day of carving. Once wood is completely dry, it may be stained, painted or finished as you wish. Nontoxic, includes instructions. Contains 1 quart (32 oz.) U.S.A. 487032

QUART PENTACRYL STABILIZER-Wood Carvers Supply