There are some issues that with a tree that can cause problems when you are chainsaw carving but there are things you can do to take care of these problems.

How to Repair Cracked Wood Tree Stump Carvings

Before you start carving a piece of wood, slice off an inch or two thick piece and lay the piece down flat in the shade. As it dries you will begin seeing where the cracks are going to occur. Then you can take this piece and put it up to the log you wish to carve and you’ll be able see exactly where the cracks are going to be. For minimal damage to the final product, you will be able to determine which way the log will face once cracking starts. Note: this may not be the case for all wood carvings depending on where the cracks are on the wood or grain changes along with other characteristics of the wood. When you need to repair cracks in wood carvings, you should use wood from the same piece of wood you are repairing. If this isn’t possible then you can use the same type of wood. You will form wedges from the extra wood making sure you cut the wedge so the grain is in the same direction as the crack you are repairing. Try to straighten the crack the best you can for the wedge to fit better and then tap the wedge into the crack. If there are high parts you can sand them down or use a dremel tool to smooth them out. Once you think you have a tight fit, you can take some glue and tap the wedge into the crack and sand it again, if needed.

What Are Tree Trunk Burls, Whorls & Knots

Burls are tree growths where the grain has grown in a deformed manner. It is usually a rounded outgrowth on a tree trunk or branch and is filled with small knots from dormant buds. Knots are common blemishes in trees that cause lumps or holes inside the tree and can be caused by the natural growth of a tree. When Clark the Carver from Carve Me a Bear! Chainsaw Carvings carved your tree stump carving initially, he utilized these burls, whorls and knots as inspiration for his finished carving.

How to Finish & Preserve a Wood Chainsaw Carving

The way the finish on a wood carving will end up looking depends on the type of wood being used, the moisture content of the wood and the environment it will be displayed in. It will also depend on whether the finishing will be done all at once or over time. Clark the Carver from Carve Me A Bear! Chainsaw Carvings will apply some oil or sanding sealer to a piece he is working on if it won’t be done in a day to prevent small cracks from forming that can become bigger later on. If the temperatures are higher, it will happen quickly. Once the piece is completely done Clark applies varnish that absorbs and protects the wood. If you choose to use a sanding sealer you can apply a coat each day for two or three days.

Custom Wood Chainsaw Carvings in Las Vegas Nevada & Helena Montana

The beautiful thing about wood carvings is that they are all unique and no two will be the same. Make sure to use a reputable carver that is experienced in taking care of any issues with the wood and will seal it correctly so it will last for years to come. Contact Carve Me A Bear! Chainsaw Carvings for your custom pieces.