Green Basswood

tucker1931 · #11 03-21-2008, 04:05 PM

Patrick, I don't have any of it yet but he's been out all day so just maybe I'll be getting some later on. I think I'll try a small piece first and just see what happens. It seems the answer is definitely to seal both ends. I'll just have to fool around with it, anyway it ain't gonna cost me anything.
Cliff

Clifford_Parker · #12 03-22-2008, 11:31 AM

Peel the bark, seal the ends, sticker and stack it where PLENTY of air can get to/around it. Unless you need large rounds cutting it in half or into blocks will help it dry faster and with less cracking than round logs,

tvance124 · #13 03-22-2008, 03:17 PM

There is a great article in the other carving magazine this time about cutting, sealing and proper stacking for drying. Maybe you can get a copy of it. The article is by John Krantz. I think he is an expert. I have gotten wood from him and it is top notch..........

tucker1931 · #14 03-22-2008, 04:10 PM

Terry and Cliff, thanks for the info, that's the second time I've heard of the "other magazine" please private email me so I can find one, I don't know the name or issue number. Thanks
Cliff

Colin_Partridge · #15 03-23-2008, 11:17 AM

What ever Patrick does with his wood works. The carving he did for me sits right beside the gas fireplace in the rec room. Its been there all winter and has not cracked at all, still as perfect as the day I recieved it.
Colin

tvance124 · #16 03-23-2008, 04:10 PM

Hey Tucker 1931.........ya got mail.

windsong · #17 03-24-2008, 10:12 PM

Cliff
Green Bass wood is all i carve.I cut the tree and saw it into about 6" chunks then i take my axe and chop it in to approx. 4"x6" or 2"x6"pieces my boy loves to help with the chopping.Then if i want to carve some of it wright away.I've got a old Microwave.I put the chunks in with a paper towel for 5 min. and then i carve it this keeps it from splitting so bad.But you better watch out about taking my advice because after i get the piece carved i clean it with brake cleaner before i paint them it gets all the finger oil and buffing compound off real good plus it will not raise the grain on the carving and it dries fast.Hope this helps.
windsong

tucker1931 · #18 03-24-2008, 10:53 PM

Hey Windsong, I like your style of carving very much (mostly flat plane) and I like the way you handle your green bass wood, I do however have a bit of a problem with brake fluid to clean them, I just use plain old soapy water and a tooth brush and then dip them in a sealer before I paint them. Thanks for the tip on the micro wave, however, I've got a full cord comming all in 18 inch lengths and varying sizes from 3 to 8 inch diameters. I'm gonna need a big mother of a micro wave for sure.
Cliff

windsong · #19 03-25-2008, 04:14 PM

Your right Cliff that would have to be a big Microwave.Break clean is no for the faint of heart if you smoke Ha Ha !!!I've got about a 24" tree all cut up and stacked in my building.I don't think the southern Bass wood is as good as the Northern wood but it will do.Good luck with the wood be sure and let us know how it carves.
windsong

woodtrapper · #20 03-25-2008, 09:53 PM

Cliff,all I know through my experience of carving mt laurel,locucst,beechwood and ect. I just seal the ends with the candle wax (candles) around the house.As soon as you remove the bark and finish your carving seal it with a clear wood finish like Deft.I sand and add a few layers and don't get checking.I to do not have the patients for the drying either.Davy