M
Joined: May 02, 2003
Posts: 489
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M
Aloha
Have been carving small Tiki's by hand for a couple months now and came across a great score. Found someone chopping down 2 Coconut Palms about 15 feet each, with 24 inch diameter at trunk (Trunk is much fatter than top 13 feet), rest of tree about 12 inch in diameter. Got 4-4 foot logs about 12 inch diameter and 2-2 foot trunks about 24 inch diameter out of it. Beautiful wood, striaght, smooth ect... Very fresh. Each piece wieghs about 4-600 pounds. How much will they wiegh when fully dried? How long will it take? I have been through this Carving Post and garnered it's info. My only reference on the subject, any more help is Very appreciated. My first understanding was I would need to seal the cut ends to slow drying and prevent cracking. One post however mentions this is no use for Palms. My plan is to let logs dry 3-12 months, probobly try first one in 3 months. Leave bark on until carving, yes? Will not be using any power tools unless absolutely necasary. These were grown in South Florida, are there differences between these and the ones I from Hawaii? I'm used to carving fully dried Hardwoods, what don't I know I need to know? Have lots of Gouges, a good mallet and a chissel or 2, some good knives. Can't wait to carve into these but want to do them right, have great hopes for this wood. I would really appreciate any pointers with this wood. They will be stored in a open air garage, no rain will get in, but Florida's hot, humid envirement will be drying them. Should I do something to prevent mold now? I fear and am alergic to some Molds. Mahalo and hope to show you all one of these logs, carved, at next years Hukilau...my stomping grounds.
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