Feb 062011
A carving tip that I found on the Wood Carving Illustrated forum, was a way to make hard wood easier to carve. Make a solution of 50% rubbing alcohol and 50% water, in a spray bottle. Using the spray bottle, spray a small amount on the area that you are trying to carve and wait a few seconds. As the solution soaks into the wood, the grain loosens up and allows the knife to slide through the wood easier.
I have tried this and had positive results, but have noticed that the area that I used it on, on a dogwood walking stick has developed a small split in the wood. I am still experimenting with the solution to determine if the alcohol caused the wood to dry out or if the split would have occurred anyway.