6 Tips to reduce the risk that your Cup/Kuksa get shrinkage cracks

[@lino5167]

I once called Mr. Immler "The Victorigod", now I want to add a different nickname "The Kuksaint". I'm pretty sure I'll keep adding nicknames to the list, since this gentleman is an endless source of top level knowledge.

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

The graphics of the proper place to take the wood blank from the tree were perfect. Excellent tips and instructions. ✌

[@FelixImmler]

Thank you James! Cheers!

[@CanetCinema2024]

I have made few "kuksas" out of birch tree curls. Those are of course quite difficult to get, but very good material for this kind of work. My friend who gave me those curls said that one must boil the material for 6 to 8 hours in salt water and the salt must be rough sea salt. I did that boiling and have had no cracks in ready objects. Also there was guidance how to threat the new kuksa. Pour some brandy in the cup and let it stay until wood "drinks" the liquid, pour more, let it go in - repeat several times.

[@FelixImmler]

Thanks a lot for your valluable tips!!

[@swtsoph]

Felix, you are an excellent teacher. You explain everything clearly and simply, and you never sound like you're talking down to us. I have learned so much from your videos - thank you!

[@FelixImmler]

Wowww, your feedback make me happy! Thank you!

[@davidbenner2289]

Another excellent class! We have decided to give a copy of your book on whittling with corresponding Fieldmaster or Huntsman Victorinox Swiss Army Knife to each grandchild as they become mature enough to be trained in the use of a knife. I gave my recent book purchased to my oldest grandson, 8 years old. Planned crafts make it easier for grandfather. Thank you. The genius of Switzerland and the Swiss can be seen in you and the love you have in your work. Bravo!

[@FelixImmler]

Thank you so much for your nice feedback and your fantastic support!

[@Bushmen918]

I did the same thing kind of David, I have two nephews 9 and 10 and I got them Tinkers and "Whittling in the Wild" I am pretty sure they subscribe once they read the book , This is the kind of craft and skill set should be thought in school .

[@davidbenner2289]

@@Bushmen918 I have nine children. All adults now. 19 grandchildren, for now. The children old enough are deprived, living on a farm with various animals and poultry. And banded Galloway cows. A clear, fresh water river runs through their farm, fenced off from any farm run off. In the Highlands of West Virginia. They have access to thousands of acres of pasture and forests. It is a hard life for them, to live in all that natural beauty and clean, fresh environment. Someone has to live the life. Lol!

[@ZippedUpKitz]

@@davidbenner2289 sounds like Heaven to me!

[@davidbenner2289]

@@ZippedUpKitz the tourist adds and brochures are emblazoned with "West Virginia. Almost Heaven". I lived in the Highlands of West Virginia in the wilderness area for eleven year, commuting to one of my fire stations 73 to 97 miles away, near Washington DC. I moved closer when I grudgingly took a promotion, now living in what some call one of the most beautiful places in the World: the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia! My distant American Indian ancestry hunted the lands I now live on (I was born and raised overseas). I'm looking to leave the area, maybe move near my son after my passes, she being in the final stage of Alzheimer's, organic brain disease. I am most respectful of Felix Immler and his work. Few are as good in presentation of his skill and genius. If I ever get to Switzerland (I left Europe 46 years, my German language skills so good that you did not know I was an American. My first languages were age appropriate Japanese and Fujien. Now, I have forgotten most of the many languages from disuse) I will make a point to take him and his family out to dinner a few times! The man is a genius!

[@CptnSavage]

Felix I have to tell you that you presented the material and tips in a very well thoughtout and knowledgeable way. As you described each tip and why it made sense, I could see in my mind that you have both a lot of experience and have given each tip a lot of thought before presenting it to us. Thank you my friend for all your expeience and guidence. It is greatly appreciated mate.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I am a woodturner and you covered a lot of the basics of drying wood bowls.

[@leslieaustin151]

More Bushcraft Brilliance from the practical Swiss instructor! Thanks Felix. I’ve just started whittling and making stuff with my two youngest grandsons, and I’m trying like mad to stay just in front of them so I can help them progress. Your videos are a wonderful resource and will never age! Les in UK 🇬🇧

[@JossWaddy]

These tips are GOLD!

[@FelixImmler]

Thank you so much!!!

[@jeffnotti9932]

Now THIS is a very usful video.. Buscraft requres 1 very important thing: knowing and understanding wood! Perfect tips The knowledge of the structure of wood is a must for not only every wood worker but ever bush crafter as well... it has always been my postion that Bushcraft is nothing more than woodworking.... < J

[@FelixImmler]

Thanks a lot for your super interesting feedback dear Jeff!

[@otroblogdemarcelo]

Yes, most of the videos show the carving process. A few chat about the fact that you need to collect the shavings to slow the drying process. I believe is the first time I saw this in a practical video. I have been lucky in my first (and only) kuksa because I have a great mentor who warn me about that and how to avoid it! Thanks again for sharing ! Cheers!

[@PlainsmansCabin]

Yes, esp. green wood working!

[@kiviuq1552]

Always humble, always smiling and always with excellent guidance. Felix is the best! Danke!!

[@bombproofbushcraft]

Another Fantastic video Felix. Always enjoy watching your videos as they are filled with great info, and you go through the steps needed to 'show' exactly what you mean visually. I know you take some time in the editing process and I wanted to let you know it does not go unnoticed! Keep the great videos coming. Thanks Felix!

[@gizmocarr3093]

You make great points not for just making cups but for spoons too. If you position your bowl in the wood in your way it makes carving it less work. The round limb makes it less work to shape the bowl. I form the bowl first then shape the handle and top. I leave an inch or more of the sawn ends on till last. You can make two at once if the wood is clean of knots. I just carve two bowls beside each other with the handles facing left and right. I leave an inch between them. I use a small saw, hatchet, and gouge, draw knife, hook knife and 2-inch wood carving knife. It is important your tools be sharp; if the cuts you make are smooth you have a sharp tool. I need at least a gouge or hook knife to make a bowl. I never had any I made crack or split. I do seal the things I make with walnut oil and a little warm softened beeswax. I like your spoon wrench idea; they make me laugh. ✨🔪✨🪓🦉

[@ZippedUpKitz]

ROFL…. Good thing I understand German…. I got a good laugh when I saw the title, "6 Tips Against Cracks." It caught me off guard at first because I didn’t see who it was from as the notice popped up on my Apple Watch. The screen is so small that you don’t get the whole picture without scrolling…. Since this is a family channel, I will be good and not say what went through my mind at first! lol… another excellent video meine fruende!!!!

[@FelixImmler]

Thanks a lot! 🙂

[@Taromovies]

Thanks Felix for all the effort to creating such informative graphics and the very easy understandable explanations, never stop learning from each other my friend, see you soon, Taro

[@FelixImmler]

Glad you like them! Haaa haaa ha , dieses Video ist mit ab... die Veröffentlichung war nicht heute geplant! Jonu... :-D

[@Taromovies]

@@FelixImmler ja hab mich schon gewundert aber Ausnahmen bestätigen die Regel 😃👍

[@outdoorwoodchipps3107]

In addition, let it dry in a cool and „humid“ place. The drying process is slower but with less chances of cracks. Excsllent video. Keep on filming.

[@timcoker5732]

Such a great lesson, I’ve never attempted a carving, this is great.

[@FelixImmler]

You should! Thanks for your comment dear Tim!

[@ctoscano100]

You are the best, Felix !!! Great video !!! Thank you for all !!! Regards from Brazil !!! Sgt Toscano

[@mbarr1029]

Thank you Felix. This will save so many hours of work to not end up in disappointment. I had spent 3 hours on a cup and it broke in half last week. I was so disappointed. Ok PISSED OFF.

[@FelixImmler]

Thanks for your story!

[@unitytira4954]

Thank you so much for sharing these 6 principles. I will follow your instructions. Blessings.

[@FelixImmler]

Super.. Good luck!

[@joanneg7646]

I learned the most from what you just said. Thank you for inside knowledge regarding wood working.

[@FelixImmler]

Thanks for this compliment!

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

What an impressive presentation . Great explanation with excellent visuals and editing . Thank You Felix .

[@FelixImmler]

Many thanks! I am happy that you like it!

[@ehoenig]

with my cup I made I also had cracks and now I know why, so thank you for the video. I mixed wood glue with sawdust and filled up these cracks and after drying worked with sandpaper. This at least made the cracks disappear completely for the eye and made it waterproof. I used this mixture also when hand-crafting wooden scales for my swiss army knife. Sandpaper makes these glue parts disappear completely 👍🏻

[@HariKristiyanto]

It's problem when making kuksa, thank you for tips 👍

[@FelixImmler]

Thanks for your comment!

[@capedmarauder2055]

Thanks for a great video. I wish I had watched this before starting my Kuksa project! I have already gone through 5 'perfect' pieces of wood, only to get cracks at the end, or beginning or whenever! Going to keep looking for a better piece of wood.

[@b80-s9i]

Great, plainly spoken & so very useful tips..thank you very much for this!! I need all the carving tips I can get, so its much appreciated, Felix🙏 💪😎👍

[@FelixImmler]

Thanks a lot for your kind comment!

[@hawk2million]

Really useful. I've only made 2 and they both cracked. Perhaps now I will have a better chance of success! Thank you Felix.

[@FelixImmler]

I hope the video was helpful for you..

[@CarlCampbell]

Can't believe this wonderful video is free!

[@FelixImmler]

Thanks a lot Carl. Your compliment makes me happy!

[@randomescu]

when a famous fellow youtouber said he watch only one other knife youtube channel i was sure he talk about yours! great video, as always.

[@TheWaggaBloke]

Felix you’ve done it again Mate! Brilliant Job

[@Ursusism]

Thank you! Perfect video. English is foreign language for me. So, thanks for a simply explanation and drownings.

[@stephanelachance6195]

Last week I received my victorinox forester .....and then I discovered your chanel. Thank you Mr Immler for such interestings and informative videos.

[@latemcire8387]

Thanks for the information! I’ve wondered how people keep green wood projects from checking. Looking forward to experimenting

[@FelixImmler]

Yes go for it! 😄

[@rob-in-peru]

Good to see you back with a new video. Inspired to get myself a log now. Must carry on with the sawing. Look forward to the next video.

[@bratwurstbratbeauftragterb220]

Verrückt. Ich habe mir vor zwei Tagen das erste mal einen Becher aus Holz geschnitzt und ihn in der Sonne getrocknet. Natürlich war das ein Fehler und der Becher hat dadurch ein paar kleine Risse bekommen. Das Video ist sehr hilfreich.

[@FelixImmler]

Das freut mich. Danke und viel Glück bei nächsten Versuch!

[@Gryphon_Hawke]

Thanks Felix. I am new to woodcrafting and I find your videos very helpful

[@spookshelves9834]

I planning to go camping in the next couple years or so and want to do some experiments while out, your channel is a godsend. I have the say they're also weirdly calming to watch

[@FelixImmler]

Thank you so much for your wonderful compliment!

[@willikebari5478]

Lieber Felix, vielen Dank für diese Tipps! 👍👍👍 Ich bin kein großer Schnitzer und auf so etwas hätte ich niemals geachtet! Wieder was gelernt von dir, so wie immer bei deinen tollen Videos!👍 Ganz liebe Grüße aus Oberösterreich in die schöne Schweiz und ein schönes Wochenende!

[@FelixImmler]

1000 Dank lieber Willi!!

[@johneriksen5504]

Better explanations of why than many other carvers

[@backyardoutdoorsman8282]

Thanks for the information. When I build your wrench carving tool, I will try to make my first cup . You are inspiring me to carve.

[@Imightberiding]

Your excellent solid information & tutoring has no cracks in it. Nicely done.

[@otroblogdemarcelo]

Thanks! Cheers from Argentina!

[@FelixImmler]

You're welcome Marcelo!

[@royburris4126]

Thanks Felix that was very helpful i wondered why my cups were cracking now I know

[@vozmediano1981]

I'm grateful so much to find your channel!!!! Thanks

[@blackhatbushcraft]

I always enjoy your content my friend! Thank you for sharing! Take care.

[@FelixImmler]

Thanks for the visit

[@sergechernyshov5264]

Фелікс мудрий хлопака. Завжди каже гарні та корисні речі. 👍

[@FelixImmler]

Дуже дякую !

[@sergechernyshov5264]

Мне понравилась подача Феликса. Очень органично вписывается в нашей действительности)

[@suecollins3246]

Those diagrams show the problem _perfectly_ ! I understand it better now.

[@FelixImmler]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@doncarleone973]

I love this video! Thank you Mr. Immler for all that you do. ✌️

[@FelixImmler]

Thanks a lot for this wonderful feedback!

[@davidsain2129]

I love all your wisdom. Always great videos. I am happy that you have emptied your stress buckets! Stress is nasty stuff.

[@FelixImmler]

Thanks a lot David!

[@artyom_zdanek]

Nice! I have been wanting to carve a kuksa, and I believe these tips will definitely help... Cheers!

[@TheScoundrel70]

This is excellent Felix, thank you! Really well presented and explained too.

[@FelixImmler]

Wowww, thank you so much!

[@KettleCamping]

Thanks for this video which is full of very helpful tips. Am no expert but the core or heart of a tree is also usually softer and easier to carve. Your point of the outside being harder and more water-proof is a key one. Thanks again and cheers! 🇨🇦

[@FelixImmler]

Thank for your comment!

[@clintonroushff7068]

Always good to see you again. Take care

[@FelixImmler]

Thanks again!

[@babthooka]

The way you speak is fantastic! Very inspirational in so many ways! Thanks.

[@SmithWesson90]

Felix I really appreciate these videos the effort you make to provide us with english videos are very helpful I thank you friend. 🇺🇸 🔪 🇨🇭 ✌

[@GodBearOutoors]

VERY helpful information Felix! Thank you!👍👍

[@richjageman3976]

Thanks for all of your videos, I have learned much from them.

[@FelixImmler]

Glad to hear that. Thanks a lot Rich!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Excellent information, my friend! I really enjoyed your explanations. I have crafted several kuksas over the years and some of them have cracked and you have stated very well the main reasons for this. Thanks as always for a superb video!

[@stuartlockwood9645]

Hi Felix ☺ thanks for the tips, and you are correct in the orientation of the cup to the truck of the tree, also in cutting your blank at least 30 cmtrs from the end cut of the tree, as some trees get stress shakes running up the trunk during felling, it's Russian roulette hoping to find one whithout fine cracks, but your advice is good, I've even microwaved bowls turned from wet timber whith some success, although they all shrink and warp a bit, and quite a few have cracked, this is done a few seconds at a time on defrost, when it gets too hot to handle let it cool and then defrost cycle some more, don't try to heat at a higher temperature or it will burn in the middle, it's an interesting experiment, and carries some risk , especially if the wife catches you,lol. Thanks Felix, stay safe mate, best wishe's to you and your's, Stuart uk

[@FelixImmler]

Hello Stuart. Thank you so much for this super interesting feedback!!!! Very nice of you 😀

[@noptsdwn]

Thanks for another informative video. This is no wise crack to say you are wise about cracks and how to avoid them my friend.

[@FelixImmler]

Thanks a lot Jack!

[@davidkurle5418]

Thank you for this wonderful lesson, my friend. Have a great weekend!

[@FelixImmler]

Thanks a lot David!

[@thomaspotter7765]

Have you applied to take the Mensa test? Pretty sure you are not only a genius but a amazing teacher. Thank you.

[@FelixImmler]

Thanks a lot for this compliment!

[@bobbieschke599]

A very intelligent explanation.......Danke Sehr !

[@FelixImmler]

Thanks a lot Bob!

[@현휘-d1u]

So straightforward and useful. Thank you for the tips! What kind of finish do you prefer for a kuksa?

[@MrZiglvleit]

I learned some little but important things from you again Felix, thanks!

[@danhaywood5696]

Awesome. You always make sense of everything and provide powerful information, easy to understand. Very nice.

[@FelixImmler]

Thank you so much for this wonderful feedback!

[@RuhrpottOutdoor]

Useful as always my friend. Looking forward to see you soon…

[@FelixImmler]

ja ja, Säge und Schanz gebrauch man ganz! 🤣🤣

[@RuhrpottOutdoor]

Haha, gut gemerkt. Bei der nächsten Lektion lernen wir dann Reime zum Thema Feuer! 😂

[@MsRoselace]

Amazing! Thank you so much for sharing with us your knowledge!

[@-abheda]

love it, felix! i SO appreciate you, your vids and information you share which feels like the warm glow from the light of a fire of knowledge that is steadily growing inside me - useful, useful stuff! thanks, felix! :D

[@ytb-viewer]

Very good video! Very helpful! Thank you 😄 I learn a lot from your video!

[@FelixImmler]

Super..that makes me happy!

[@jimcy1318]

Good video 👍, I'm a carpenter by trade and we did about timber conversion in class, I knew most of what the video was about, but I still learned something and refreshed knowledge of others.👍

[@FelixImmler]

Cool, thank you James for this wonderful feedback!

[@omaralani6844]

what an amazing video and amazing tips thank you very much sir, you gave advices that I never heard before

[@FelixImmler]

Your comment makes me happy. Thank you Omar!

[@leroymontano9080]

Your a great teacher my friend

[@FelixImmler]

Thank you!

[@dennislindenpellinge]

Yes, a great lesson. Thank You !

[@FelixImmler]

You are welcome!

[@carlomayer2694]

Great video :) the traditional way is to boil the Kuksa in salt water after carving. A log can also be covered with wax on the open sides.

[@detroitredneckdetroitredne6674]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise and hello from Detroit Michigan USA Great video Brother thank you

[@FelixImmler]

Thanks for watching brother!

[@Saffirance]

Priceless information, thank you so much. I would be heart broken if I worked so hard to make a cup and it immediately cracked upon drying. All of that time and effort would be waisted. Thanks to you, I don't have to learn the hard way.

[@FelixImmler]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for your positive feedback!

[@aksalaman4689]

Good info, Felix. The few cups I have carved have developed cracks.

[@FelixImmler]

Oh no.... I hope my tips help on the next time!

[@hortensialopez9296]

Simple but very important tips

[@FelixImmler]

Glad you think so!

[@andreas8773]

Tolles Video, mit einer Menge von Tipps. Vielen Dank.

[@FelixImmler]

Danke Andreas!

[@michaeljones5395]

Great tips! I haven't carved any Cups or Kusksa yet, however I plan on doing that at some point. Thanks for sharing!

[@FelixImmler]

Hello Michael. Next week comes an other helpful video to this toipc.

[@LitoGeorge]

Great tips Mr Immler!

[@FelixImmler]

Thanks a lot!

[@adventourgirl1096]

I just found your videos and subscribed. I love your tips and how you explain things. I love your smile too 😊. Keep making great content!

[@nomadichunter2818]

Very great tips as allways Felix! Super interesting. I allways cracked my pots, maybe this time I can get it to work for these tips! Thank you very much.

[@brianjensen6724]

Thanks again for another informative video!

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Great tips Felix. I have experienced much of what you showed us. My next cup will be better. Take care.

[@sgtjrr9771]

Great info! I’ve had much success using the quartered section & wrapping in a paper towel & storing in a paper bag to slow the drying process! The paper towel seems to hold some moisture & prevent it from escaping the piece so quickly! Thanks!

[@FelixImmler]

Thanks for this super tip!

[@thewildernessphilosopher]

Boiling in salt water will reduce cracking, but it's not enough alone. Also, if the ambient humidity of the weather outside is higher than 60%, you should avoid putting the kuksa in a box with wood shavings, as it will develop mold quickly (a couple of days). One more trick if you are at home: microwave your cup for between 45 seconds and 1 minute 15 seconds and let it cool an hour. Repeat many times. If you weigh it at the beginning and after every microwave, you will notice the decrease in water weight. For my kuksas I did this approximately 20 times each ( over a period of 2 days) And they all lost about half of their original weight, with no cracking. 2 days is much quicker than a month, and no cracking.

[@FelixImmler]

Wowwww, what a great tip!!

[@thewildernessphilosopher]

@@FelixImmler Thank you. Love your videos brother.

[@hortensialopez9296]

A very hard work to get it, so it’s necessary take care with the cracks

[@patrickharmon9459]

Very good tips, they make good sense 👍

[@rustem_aliev]

Thank you

[@devantulgren5087]

Fantastic video so informative

[@FelixImmler]

Thank you very much!

[@piercecottingham]

Thank God for this dude

[@scotttaxdal7847]

Very well explained!

[@rickysharp4223]

Hi and thank you for all the information.

[@FelixImmler]

You are so welcome!

[@allinthewoods]

Thank you for all the informations.

[@Explorerwolf]

Great advice. a greeting friend Felix!

[@pulseoftheland]

what a lovely person you are and such helpful tips! thank you :)

[@FelixImmler]

Thank you very much for this wonderful feedback!

[@Jonessen]

Top Tips und nachvollziehbar. Klasse und schöne Dank 👍. You are the best 🤗

[@FelixImmler]

Freut mich sehr. Danke Jonnessen!

[@breaking_bear]

Great video and helped me out alot!

[@FelixImmler]

Awesome, thank you!