Finished carving green wood. Now what?

[shane_c]

I got some mountain ash about 2 weeks ago and have some of it sitting in some water to keep it moist. I'm not sure if that'll make it rotten or moldy but it's keeping it from cracking for now. But on to my question... I just about finished carving a bear out of a piece that's approx 12" high. It still feels pretty heavy and I can still see some dampness in the wood when I'm making my cuts. When I'm finished with the carving do I seal it right away to keep the moisture in? Or do I have to let it dry out for a long time before finishing it? Wouldn't it crack if I did that? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Colin-Partridge]

Shane try this seal it all but the bottom of the wood Rowan or Mountain Ash will crack pretty bad. Once you have it all sealed except the bottom put the carving up on little blocks of wood so the air can circulate under the carving. Then dry it outside not in the house because in the house it will dry out too fast. It may still crack but this is the best method I have found. BTW you should be able to leave the rest outside now without it cracking the cool temps will not dry out the wood.
Colin

[shane_c]

Thanks colin, I'll give that a try. Do you think I should let the ones I have sitting in the bucket of water dry out for a few days before putting them outside? I don't know how much it would dry outside considering the high today is -13 celsius. I would think any moisture in it would just freeze.

Originally Posted by colin_partridge

Shane try this seal it all but the bottom of the wood Rowan or Mountain Ash will crack pretty bad. Once you have it all sealed except the bottom put the carving up on little blocks of wood so the air can circulate under the carving. Then dry it outside not in the house because in the house it will dry out too fast. It may still crack but this is the best method I have found. BTW you should be able to leave the rest outside now without it cracking the cool temps will not dry out the wood.
Colin

[Colin-Partridge]

Shane they wont be water logged anyway the wood has enough water in it if its just cut so it wont absorb. Just let them drain out side if the temperature is that high they are not going to freeze anyway and besides that if they do they wont dry out for sure the frost wont crack them.
Colin