TIPS for creating a new tiki with a palmtree.... - Tiki Carving

M McTiki Member Sunny Florida Joined: Aug 22, 2004 Posts: 1962	M McTiki Posted posted on Thu, Jan 20, 2005 9:29 AM First of all, welcome to this group. On using "fresh" uncured palms, I will say that it probably depends on the type of palm. I have mostly Sabal and Coco palm that are very cured (over 6 minths) and they are a little moist inside still. The moisture doesn't pose an immediate problem until the carved/exposed wood begins to dry faster than they would normally left alone and intact. The chance of cracking is prevalent when the wood is exposed. It's not prohibitive, but, it is a risk none the less. It would be a shame to spend hours shaping the wood and then have it crack after it dries. As far as de-barking, I will allow an "expert" to weigh in. Hola, and again, welcome

First of all, welcome to this group. On using "fresh" uncured palms, I will say that it probably depends on the type of palm. I have mostly Sabal and Coco palm that are very cured (over 6 minths) and they are a little moist inside still. The moisture doesn't pose an immediate problem until the carved/exposed wood begins to dry faster than they would normally left alone and intact. The chance of cracking is prevalent when the wood is exposed. It's not prohibitive, but, it is a risk none the less. It would be a shame to spend hours shaping the wood and then have it crack after it dries.

As far as de-barking, I will allow an "expert" to weigh in.

Hola, and again, welcome

Post #136474 by McTiki on Thu, Jan 20, 2005 9:29 AM