A tip on fixing a crack

[Colin-Partridge]

I find that I get a lot of help on this forum with tips and techniques from all of you.Likewise when I get something I like to return the favour and share it with you.
My tip today is fixing a crack in a carving. This works better if you are going to paint it such as the two foot santa I am carving now. I carved it out of a cedar log. The log had split as cedar usually does with one big crack. After I bring the log in I leave it in the house to really dry out and let the crack open as much as possible. Then I fill the crack with RayCrete. This is a two part filler that has to be mixed together before using it. The great part about it is that it does not shrink and can even be used under water. What I do is fill the crack ( I have included pictures) once the substance is mixed. Now you have to be fairly fast in using it as it cures pretty quickly. I lay the carving down and pour the mixture into the crack until it is full. Dont worry that it will spill over the sides. Before I pour it in I cut the crack on a 45% angle all the way up the crack so there is not a sharp edge on the sides. After a few minutes you will see that the crack starts to sink. Take some more of the mixture and re-fill the crack. Once that is done use a latex glove and smooth it all into the length of the crack. You will notice that is now starting to set up. After about 20 minutes you will be able to take your carving knife and carve it taking off the excess. After about 45 minutes you will be able to carve it no problem. It is fairly expensive but really does a great job. Clean up can be done with soap and water. Make sure though that when you mix the two mixtures together you dont use the same popsicle stick for both containers you will contaminate them this way as one is a hardener. Dont know who sells it but I picked mine up at a hardware store in the US a couple of years ago.
Colin

[Colin-Partridge]

more pictures

[Donsexton]

That should work out well for you Colin.