Old basswood

[achaundy]

I am working with a block of basswood that I have for about seven months, it's one of six that I bought from Heinecke. This piece is giving me a real hassel, keeps tearing out in all different directions. Is their something I can treat this with. My tools are sharp even though they act like their not. Can this wood be too dry. I do my carving in the basement where I have a dehumidifier running most of the time. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Skip

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

try misting on some rubbing alcohol..........you can get a perfume bottle at wallyworld for .50 that mists ...works great on poor wood or in our case here....dry wood. and the alcohol doesn't stain like the water in some areas, and also evaporates fast.

[achaundy]

Thanks Hi Ho I'll give that a try. Skip

[Robby]

I was just given a suggestion lately for the same thing, this one also involved alcohol, but mixed 50/50 with water.

[Lorenrad]

I've used denatured alcohol from the hardware store mixed with water and put into a squeeze bottle. Makes cutting basswood end grain very easy. I saw this tip in Shawn Cipa's book on carving fantasy figures. Excellent book if you are looking for ideas.

[achaundy]

Thanks guys.... I finished the piece with the use of alcohol it did help a little but it was not a cure for this piece of wood. I guess it comes down to... do you want to mess with it or not. I purchased 6 pieces at the same time and none of the others was like this. Skip

[nadcarves]

You got 5 good, one soft.. Possible to used thinned shellac as a wood builder.Cordially Nad