[Just Carving]

Yesterday, I received a piece of Ailanthus from a co-worker. I wouldn't have taken it, except it was an unusual shape. It is about 54" long, 3 1/2" in diameter, but it has an arc of about a 30" radius. I went to cut a small piece of it to test carve it, but met up with a swarm of ants which promptly got a dousing of Windex--which did a good job of killing off the ants! Right now, the wood is drying out. Thanks to the ants, the wood also has a hole down the center of at least 24" deep--probably more.

I believe Irish and Sonomadon have met up with this "invasive" species of tree. Can you tell me how it is to carve? How long does it take to dry the wood? I learned from the Internet that it is a little softer than Ash, it sands well, and takes a stain well.

I hope to post a photo of it later. I think it is it is an unusual shaped piece of wood. I also need to think about what to do with it.

Thanks.

[Just Carving]

Here's a picture of it....with a yardstick as a reference. Sorry, it's dark. The flash wasn't working--the battery needs recharging.

[Irish]

Hey Bob!

Who I think you want to talk to is Colin !!!! He did a thread several months back on carving a chinese sumac walking stick. His sample was outstanding and I think he can give you first hand advice on how the wood carves.

As a general rule of thumb it takes about one year per inch of thickness to throughly dry a piece of wood. Plus you will want to seal the ends so that the drying happens through the side walls of the wood, not through the ends.

However! Some woods carve fantastically when green, then you dry the final carving. You do run the risk of cracking or checking ....

Drop Colin a PM - I believe that he may have your answers.

Susan

[Just Carving]

Thanks Susan!