I received an email from the eastern part of North Carolina about some
wooden carousel figures that were flooded for several days, causing
joint separations. They were not in good shape to begin with. These
are old pieces that were glued up with hide glue and also nailed
together. They have a hollow section in the middle.
In my opinion most of these will have to be taken apart and the
nails removed, wood repaired and re-surfaced, etc. The question is,
is there any treatment of a first aid nature to minimize the shrinking
and damage until repairs can be made? A friend wonders if PEG (poly-
ethylene glycol?) could be used to cure out the wet wood. This is used
for green wood turnings.
It would seem that some here would have had experience with flood damaged
cabinets, etc. Carousel figures are usually basswood.
Tommy Forney
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