Kuksa Katastrophe!!!

[andyBruce]

I have recently started carving kuksa, and although i enjoy it, i'm not too pleased with the outcome...... they keep splitting!

Could anybody give me any clues to stop this?

(I mostly carve green wood i have used birch and hazel, when available!)
should i use seasoned wood, and what's the best wood to use?

Thanks everybody!

Andy

 

[Mesquite]

How do you store in between and when you've finished carving them?

Also how thin do you initially carve the walls?

 

[Retired Member southey]

What works for me matey, get the cup thin quick, never bring it inside until its finished and dry, I have a box which i put all the chippings into and the cup live i there while its being worked, I keep the box and contents in the shed,

 

[SOAR]

All good tips, but also when you split the wood you need to remove the pith.

 

[Hammock Hamster]

As per everyone else's comments keep it in a sealed bag or box with all the shavings. Took me ages plus some very helpful comments on here for me to work that out.
I keep mine indoors and it seems to work ok but the general consensus is to keep it outside where possible.

Also as said below choose a piece of wood twice the diameter you want for the kuksa split in half and remove all the pith.
I tend to rough shape mine first, leave Ian carrier back with shavings for about a week (with plenty of excess all round) then I can remove any cracks if they develop and have plenty of wood left for final shaping.

Hamster

 

[Retired Member southey]

I dont seal it in anything though, just covered in the chips, in the box, in the shed

 

[robin wood]

as above, show us photos and we will know for sure but most common problem is left the central pith in the piece, splits will always start there, or left it too thick.