Walnut Oil vs. Boiled Linseed Oil Because of flammability concerns, many product containers list safety precautions for storage and disposal for varnishes and drying oils as they are flammable, and materials used to apply the varnishes may spontaneously combust. Many varnishes contain plant-derived oils (e.g. linseed oil), synthetic oils (e.g. polyurethanes) or resins as their binder in combination withContinue reading “Walnut Oil vs. Boiled Linseed Oil”
Category Archives: Articles & Stories
Wood Properties of Sassafras
Wood Properties of Sassafras SASSAFRAS, also called Ague Tree, (species Sassafras albidum), North American tree of the laurel family (Lauraceae), the aromatic leaf, bark, and root of which are used as a flavoring, as a traditional home medicine, and as a tea. The roots yield about 2 percent oil of sassafras, once the characteristic ingredient of root beer. The tree is native to sandy soils fromContinue reading “Wood Properties of Sassafras”
Carving Hair
The following techniques will add life to your carvings. This discussion pertains to carving long flowing hair that might be found on a mountain man, or on a woman, but it will work equally well on short hair and/or beards and mustaches, such as on Santas and wood spirits. A V-tool is often the toolContinue reading “Carving Hair”
State Trees
State Trees Research shows that tree species now growing in North America existed long before the country was inhabited by man: maples as long ago as sixty million years; and poplars, oaks, pines, elms and possibly other trees grew here during the Ice Age. Greenland is named because of its trees, to differentiate from Iceland,Continue reading “State Trees”
The Story of Jilly Gnomette (Part 2)
In honor of National Holocaust Remembrance Day last Friday I began to tell a two part story about a brave little girl Gnome (Gnomette), named Jilly who lived during the dark times of the Holocaust. Today, Part 2 concludes the story. The Story of Jilly Gnomette {Part 2) The village was in an uproar and people wereContinue reading “The Story of Jilly Gnomette (Part 2)”
The Story of Jilly Gnomette
Lots of us like to carve Gnomes. They’re cute little woodland characters that are fun to carve and can be changed up in dozens of different ways. I’ve carved loads of them…little man Gnomes and even little woman Gnomes (Gnomettes). Well, in honor of National Holocaust Remembrance Day I thought I would tell a twoContinue reading “The Story of Jilly Gnomette”
Wood Properties of Butternut
Wood Properties of Butternut BUTTERNUT Juglans cinerea (Juglans – the classical name of the walnut, meaning the nut of Jupiter; cinerea – ash-colored, pertaining to the bark) The kernel of the nut is delicious and so rich and oily that the name OIL-NUT has sometimes been given to this tree. It grows from Quebec downContinue reading “Wood Properties of Butternut”
Wood Finishing Oil Comparison – Part 2
Last week, in Part 1 of my Wood Finishing Oils Comparison I covered my three top choices…Walnut Oil, Mineral Oil and Tried & True. This week, in Part 2, I will cover the three oils I would not use for treating basswood prior to painting…Tung Oil, Linseed Oil and Danish Oil. I mentioned my reasonsContinue reading “Wood Finishing Oil Comparison – Part 2”
Wood Finishing Oil Comparison – Part 1
Last week we had an enlightening discussion on the difference in the oils used to treat basswood before painting. I explained the difference in the properties of six oils: Walnut Oil, Mineral Oil, Tried & True, Tung Oil, Danish Oil and Linseed Oil. This week I want to provide more in depth information on thoseContinue reading “Wood Finishing Oil Comparison – Part 1”
More on Carving the Human Eye
I want to start off this week by saying I hope everyone had a Healthy and Happy Thanksgiving, and didn’t indulge in too much turkey, pie and football! And I want to wish all my Jewish readers a very Happy Hanukka! Getting back into the groove after our holiday break I thought we would startContinue reading “More on Carving the Human Eye”
Wood Chip Chatter 