Wood Hardening

[bzcarvn]

I am doing a carving in butternut and some fine detail (the teeth of the tigers) will be across the grain. This area will be painted when finished. I need advice on some kind of wood hardener to put on this area to make it stronger. I was going to use Miniwax hardener. Does anyone have a better idea?

[fly fisher]

If its only small bits like the teeth then you could use super glue.

[Claude]

I agree about the super glue - get the runny stuff, not the gel. Also, if you are careful to do all the cutting from the tip of the tooth toward the root, and take really thin shavings, you'll be less likely to break off one of the teeth, even after you put the super glue on.

Claude

[bzcarvn]

Thanks for the advice. This forum never fails to amaze me, there is always someone out there willing and able to help. After I get the teeth carved, I'll use super glue on them. Sounds good. That should make them a little more durable.

[Tommy Taylor]

Hope you show some pictures when you are done.Never carved butternut or many others as far as that goes but I have loved the look of the butternut carvings I've seen.Had to use super glue on a finger I broke off and it worked very well.

[bzcarvn]

Tommy, I will post pics when I am done. Probably under relief carving. It is a large family crest, but I will not have it done for a couple more weeks.