Carving wood question

[snyder]

well i was working on a moose aswell and i had covered it outside so the snow didn't get to it... and i took the bad off when i knew there wasn't going to be any rain/snow ... THEN we had a couple of 30 to 40 degree days and with the bag off my moose cracked REALLY bad... i would almost suggest keeping it outside or inside with the bag on to let it slowly dry...

for what its worth... Snyder

[autobodyman]

Thanks for the advice Snyder. Yea I have it inside my woodshop now. I've been leaving it uncovered when I'm not working in there (about 45° to 55°) and cover it with a trash bag when I am in there (65° to 75°). It's been getting a bit of separation, cracking, along some of the rings in the antler and a bit around the face. I used some CA glue and pulled it back together with some clamping.

I wonder if there is anyway to keep these from cracking at all?

I have the other block I cut out that the moose is sitting on, if it doesn't crack after the moose is dry I may seal the entire block with anchorseal and leave it for a few years and see how that works out.

I read somewhere that it takes about 1 year per inch of thickness for wood to air dry. If that's true I'd be in my 60's by the time the block is dry.

Thanks ~Mike