Question about using a wet block vs a dry one for shaping

Honestly, I was shaping a simple cup on a dry cherry block for months and the glass kept sticking. Switched to a wet maple block I keep in a bucket, and the difference is night and day. Has anyone else found a specific wood type that works better when it's soaked?

2 comments

2 Comments

jamierodriguez7d agoTop Commenter

Ever try soaking a beechwood block? I had the same sticking problem with dry blocks on simple shapes. My beech one soaks up water just right, it gives a slick surface without getting too soggy. It seems like the tighter grain on maple or beech holds the water better for that steam cushion. Cherry might just be too porous once it's wet, I never had luck with it. A good soak changed everything for my work.

averym827d ago

Totally agree, a soaked block is a game changer. @jamierodriguez is onto something with beech, my maple one works the same way. That little steam pocket it makes just lets the glass glide.