Post #118964 by Benzart on Sun, Oct 10, 2004 7:28 PM

Thats hard to tell, depending on the tree like you said. Also depending on the need. If you have nothing to carve then you open a wet log. The Ficus will not usually split at all when carved fresh. The bark contains All the white, milky, Sticky sap. Once you skin the bark it's all gone and you have a beautifil carving piece of wood. Other typesare not so stable and need to dry out more . Norfolk Island Pine is another that can be carved Fresh and most of its sap is also in the bark so whan that's gone there is another good log. Ready for carving. Fla mahogany should dry until the bark is dry. Also keep in mind, here in South Florida especially, thet there are beetles that lay their eggs on the bark which produce grubb worms. These worms feed off the bark until they get large enough to dive into the wood, When that happens it is impossible to remove them and they can eat a log from the inside out, Even after it is carved and finished!!! Removing the bark stops them dead in their tracks.
Other types of wood you have to experiment with as far as drying.
Hope this helps and Have FUN.
happyhappyhappy