water/alcohol prep

[JLWatson]

Hello all:

When using a water/alcohol prep for carving on old dried wood, I have a couple questions:

What is the purpose of the alcohol?

Does it matter whether I use a rubbing alcohol, isopropyl alcohol or denatured alcohol?

Should I soak the wood, thoroughly wet the surface or just lightly mist the surface?

How often should I apply the mixture?

Thanks for your help.

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[Rob Wilson]

Often when I am carving older basswood, I use a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and spray it on. Depending on the dryness of the wood I find that I may have to really "wet" the wood. Sure makes the carving easier. Dries quickly as well. Good Luck.

[JLWatson]

That's what I wanted to know. Thanks, Mr. Wilson. I've got a block of basswood that was one of the first ones God made and it shows when I try to carve it. I did try rubbing alcohol and water but it didn't do a whole lot unless I soaked the wood which just got spongy. I'll try isopropyl alcohol instead. Appreciate it.

[real good]

I use the mix on missouri bass wood it works well -------------Jack

[JLWatson]

Thanks for your advice, Jack.

Jerry