[Ron T]

I'm carving an Aspen stick and I'm finding the end grain tends to break, shatter, splinter very easily. Even though I am using sharp knives and gouges, the grain starts to rip.

Any ideas, tips, suggestions welcome.

[Muircheartach]

Hi Ron,

Keith Pickering posted a thread on something like this about two weeks ago - his solution is to use shellac to penetrate about 1/16" to 1/8". I replied to his post that I use Smith & Co.'s CPES (clear penetrating epoxy system), which penetrates well and provides a good homogeneous material to carve/machine. It really does work well and prevents wood chipping out and splintering.

So, I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any questions!

Best cheers,

Robbie

[Mark N. Akers]

Ron:
You might consider contacting Mark Gargac,I know he has done alot of Aspen.

[MelNM]

Ron I just finished an Aspen stick and had the same problem. I think if you carve the Aspen when its green, it would be less apt to do that. I started another stick and I'm working on the end grain also, its kind of green so I'm not having any major problems. Maybe applying some water to it will help. Some of the folks use a water and alcohol mixture to soften it. I can't remember the amount though I think it was 50/50 but not sure.
Mel