Aboutmaura macaluso Expertise I can answer all questions regarding woodcarving, chip carving, scroll sawing, carving tools and techniques and can answer most questions regarding wood
Experience I am a custom commission woodcarver. I have been carving for many years now, have won numerous awards, and am very well connected in the world of woodcarving. I am the owner/operator of www.carvinginnyc.com
Organizations national association of woodcarvers, woodcarvers of queens, Richmond county carvers club, carving life panel of experts
Publications Chip chats, carving magazine
Education/Credentials Have taken many, many classes and instruction from many fine carvers, I was originally self taught which is the best way to learn. Many thousands of carving hours later and I find that I am now well-respected.
Awards and Honors best of show staten island & queens
numerous 1st place and other title awards at many venues
Past/Present Clients My work is now in international collections
Question I recently acquired an old (1950s) set of palm chisels in the original factory wood box, Millers Falls # 107 set. The thing is the wood box and the handles smell bad almost like a old wood toilet seat that had urine on it. It is not really a mildew odor but more acrid. Is there any way to eliminate this kind of odor? Have you ever experienced this?
Answer Hi David, Vintage Miller Falls tools are a great medium grade set of carving tools, especially recommended for the beginner. I still have mine somewhere. As for removing the odor from the wood, you will probably never get the smell from the box but the handles should not be too difficult. I would first dip them in bleach, let sit 5 mins(not in the bleach) then rinse them with water. You want to work quickly so that the handles spend a minimum amount of time soaking up any bleach or water, or the wood may crack while drying. You can try rubbing the box down with a 50-50 water-bleach mix and then rub it down with baking powder and let it sit for a few days to see if it makes any difference. If it is urine, pet stores sell products esp Nature's Miracle which do remove urine odors but if it has soaked deeply into the wood you may never get it out. As a last resort, the handles can be replaced and the box discarded. If you tried the above methods and had any success in significantly lessening the smell, the box and the handles can then be sealed with a poly-urethane. Personally I have never come across this problem with tools but did have some raccoons get at some mahogany stored in the garage. I never could get the odor out, but don't let that discourage you. As the handles are small enough, you should be able to get the odor problem taken care of. The value of a 107 set of miller falls tools in original box is around 45 dollars today. Thanks for the question
