Post #501899 by Customkiis on Sat, Jan 2, 2010 9:24 AM

the disadvantage of carving a "green" log. The benefit is that it is a lot easier to carve and you are less likely to get tear out. "Seasoned" logs will not crack like that. For future reference. If you want to carve it green, keep your carving wet. Either soak it in between carving sessions or cover your carving with wet, burlap sacks. Once the carving is done then you can store it in a cool dry place for curing. You may still get cracks, but not as bad .

If you want to cure a log. after it is cut seal the end with an end-sealer, like Anchorseal. I have heard wood glue (Titebond, Elmers) and paint work too. The log will lose most of the moisture throught the ends. Think of it as a bundle of straws. Some of the moisture will come out the sides, but most of it comes out the ends.

If you choose to carve it and store it rubbing it down with an oil might be a great idea to stop it from cracking.

Regardless, it looks killer! Nice work. Keep 'em coming.