Question 1

What types of wood are the carvings made out of?

Accepted Answer

The majority of the smaller, detailed carvings are made from Black Cherry, sustainably harvested in the Adirondack park. Larger items are often carved from White Pine. Some are out of Yellow Locust. Other options are available, subject to price and availability of wood. Please contact us with your wishes or to request a commission.

Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), also known as "Rum Cherry", "Wild Black Cherry" and "Black Mountain Cherry" is commonly found all over the Americas. The reddish-brown color of the wood produces amazing results when cut, carved and sculptured. On drying, it may shrink considerably, but later exhibits stability. Using power tools while carving tends to burn it, but patient use of hand tools produces excellent results.

Question 2

What are the carvings coated with?

Accepted Answer

Most of the carvings are coated with at least 5 coats of pure Tung Oil.

Tung oil is a non-toxic, all natural wood finish. It is made by crushing the seeds of Tung trees and has no artificial ingredients added. Unlike most finishes, it contains zero V.O.C.'s (Volatile Organic Compounds - chemicals that are released into the air over time). This means that it can be applied to any woodworking project without any adverse health effects.

Tung oil takes around 30 days to cure fully. Never place Tung oiled woodwork in direct sunlight until fully cured.

As a finishing oil, Tung oil hardens to a tough coat as long as it is exposed to air. The components of Tung oil cross-link with atmospheric oxygen and polymerize to make a hard, water-resistant film.

Tung oil is resistant to pests and insects.

Although Tung oil hardens well, it has a great amount of flexibility and elasticity. Therefore, even in harsh weather conditions and temperature variations, it will expand and contract along with the wood, and is unlikely to crack.

Question 3

How to prevent cracking?

Accepted Answer

It is a law of nature that wood will crack.
 
It is simply part of the process, and adds charactor to the carvings.

Everything possible has been done to prevent major cracking. Ends of logs are coated with sealant and cuts are made to minimize cracking in obvious locations, but there are never any ironclad guarantees with wood.

That is what makes it such an exciting medium!

Heat and UV rays are not a carving's friends. Heat from the sun, vent or woodstove will accelerate the cracking process.

Frequent drenching with water (sprinklers or roof-edge drainage) increases the likelihood of water damage.

To minimize cracking: place carvings on a covered porch, or inside - out of direct sunlight.

4MILE CARVING COMPANY

F.A.Q.

What types of wood are the carvings made out of?

What are the carvings coated with?

How to prevent cracking?