Woodcarving Cocktails!

[Lynn O. Doughty]

On a recent post titled "Dry Wood" the subject of using an alcohol/water mixture was discussed. Now a lot of us use this technique, a lot of us don't. So I thought I'd just do a little survey to find out just how many of you out there take advantage of this method.

I confess, I use it! It helps in carving a really soft area by keeping the wood fibers from scuffing or collasping as the knife blade is pulled across the grain. I don't use it a lot. Sometimes the bottle sets on the counter for months gathering dust. But if a problem comes up where I think it will help then it's "Cocktail Time" at the workbench.

So, give us your views on the matter and then pop the top of a cold one or mix yourself a little stronger libation and then set back and see how long it takes before this topic turns into another slugfest on whats considered an allowable technique!!

"Honey? Where are the olives?"

[susieq]

Lynn,
I am all for "cocktail time" at the work bench but probably not the kind you are refering to. Sorry.....I just had to do it.
susieq

[snickerbocker]

It is also good for really hard end grain, we use it, occasionally.

[mdallensr]

No, I don't use it. Mike

[Thomp]

I use the alcohol spray, not often,

but before i use it i check if my knife is really sharp and hone it to insure, nothing will help dull tools other than proper maintence,

i find the alcohol will clean off the darkened placew caused from handling the carving, when it occurs, just spray and wipe with a tough paper towell.

[Kenny_S]

I use it for end grain and bad wood. Again, like everyone else who uses it, not all the time. It works for me and that is all that matters, to ME.

[Kenny_S]

Thomp, I quit using paper towels persay and started using the Brawny shop towels. They don't tear as easily and leave the little paper fibers all over the carved piece. Wally World sells a roll of Fifty for a buck 77. They are blue, Scott's have them also but not as tough as the blue Brawny ones. Just a little tip. They work for me.

[susieq]

I had never heard of this tip (which means nothing) so I have to ask what ratio do you mix the alcohol and water. Also what kind of alcohol....denatured? Does it soften hard wood or harden soft wood? When you refer to bad wood do you mean too soft or too hard?
Thanks
susieq

[Lynn O. Doughty]

I mix it 50/50 with just regular medical alcohol. It's not necessarily for bad wood but it sure seems to help when your hit a real hard spot. I think the water swells the grain and in doing that the compacted cells become enlarged and therefore softer. However it happends it definitely works. The alcohol acts to help the water absorb quicker.

I just spray on a little in the area I'm working then then carve. By the time I'm finished the area has dried.

[Kenny_S]

Several uses it 50 50, water to alcohol. Yep plain old rubbing alcohol will do. It will soften the end grain of a piece you are carving. It will help put mositure in extra dry wood. And yes it does softens hard wood somewhat. However, the Wood Carving Correctness Police will say it is a no-no.
I uses a sray top and screw it on to a bottle of rubbing alcohol. Let it soak in a little and then start carving. When Hi Ho gave me the tip years ago, I was surprised and after using it, I notice that the tools stay sharper longer after using it. To me, Hard woods wood dull my tools and carving the end grain I was strpong my tools more beofre using the alcohol.
Try it and judge for yourself. Ok.
Now to get back to sharpening more stakes and spraying them with alcohol.

Got some more done Lynn.