Post #256220 by Aaron's Akua on Fri, Sep 22, 2006 12:40 PM

AAC block is a unique building material mainly because of its insulating qualities. It is filled with small air bubbles (Aerated) much like insulation. It is extruded in the factory, cut into blocks and baked in an oven (Autoclave). Hence the name, Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC). As a building material it is stacked and mortared together like a thick wall (just like CMU blocks) then they use some type of plaster or stucco to seal it up. As far as I know it is not sold anywhere West of the E-Crete Arizona factory because it does not meet our building codes (anything built from it would probably not hold up well during an earthquake).

It is typically sealed up during construction and does not hold up well to weather in its "natural" state. It will suck up water like a sponge and become brittle after awhile if left in the sun and rain untreated. I've always applied concrete sealer after the carving was done.

The AAC an is interesting material and fun to carve. The little bubbles throughout give it a neat "corally" look after it's carved & sanded. I would snap up whatever blocks Dave brings because you will likely never see it again unless you decide to go to E-Crete in Casa Grande, AZ which is the closest place you will find it. Dave can tell you all about it.

That being said, I'd sideline the whole AAC thing for now because you will soon be in the presence of Master WOOD Carvers, some teaching, others like Monkeyman, attending (speaking to the newer guys here). You will likely never get to carve with these guys again so make sure and soak up every bit of carving knowledge you can while you have the chance! Listen hard, carve hard, party afterwards!

Unfortunately I won't be there. When I finally got serious about it I found out that the whole gig was sold out already. But I dig hanging with the local carvers so I'm sure we will all get to hook up and carve sometime down the road.

Cheers and have fun,

A-A