Heat crack in wood

[Howie]

Howdy folks,

In lovely Southern Ontario, it was 38 degrees with humidity yesterday. I brought my shark (WIP) with me to the office to get some photos done. I noticed some small tool marks on the side and made a mental note to try and sand them out.

After work I picked up my wife and stopped at the drug store on the way home. That's when I noticed those little tool marks looked like .5mm cracks. By the time we got home, they were even more significant.

But then, an hour later, they were back to being small tool marks. I guess the extreme heat/humidity caused the wood to expand a bit and split. A friend suggested I allow it to expand a bit again and use a syringe to inject some wood glue into the cracks, so that when it contracts, it'll be fully healed.

Anyone have this issue before?

Thanks,

-Howie

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Never had that happen Howie, and we have HIGH humidity here in Florida. I like the glue idea, seems like it would help. Might also cause a larger crack if you don't allow for for expansion???

Dave

[carvingbarn]

Howie if wood has not dried well before you carve it can and often will check or crack with change in temp and humidity. A sudden change to drier heated air of your office may have brought it about. Oil finishes can help with checking. I have thought wood was dry and got in to it an inch or so to find the moisture levels are still high. I set it back and wait a few more months. You can also use product like Peg.

[twymanok]

I have taken wood glue that dries clear rubbed it in the cracks then sanded it with 220 grit while the glue is still wet.