CARVING BLOCK CRACKING AFTER HARVEST
PHYSICAL and THERMAL shock are the enemies of a fine piece of sculpture ice. Because block ice is hard and brittle, it can be damaged or destroyed by PHYSICAL SHOCK, such as two blocks being bumped together, a block bumped against a concrete floor, or bumping the steel of a truck bed. By packaging our block in the plastic liner, and a heavy cardboard box, we have virtually eliminated damage to our block by physical shock.
THERMAL SHOCK occurs when any surface of the block of ice is subjected to a large change in temperature. To prepare a block of ice for carving, it should be brought to 32 degrees F slowly and all the way through, so that thermal shock won't damage it while carving. If you have stored the packaged block at 0 degree storage, you must set it out in a room for several hours. Cut the box with a box cutter, about one inch up from the bottom and lift the box off. Save the box to put back over the carving to protect it until the sculpture is used.
A bare block of ice at 32 degrees F is not subject to thermal shock from a hot surface or airflow, as it will simply melt, not crack. A bare block at 32 degrees F is subject to thermal shock from an extremely cold surface of airflow. Our packaged block virtually eliminates damage by thermal shock while still packaged. You may store our packaged blocks in a 0 degree storage, and then set it out in a room, and not have any thermal shock damage.
Our packaged block can be transported easier than a bare block, and experience much less melting, physical shock, or thermal shock.
A block of ice does not crack by itself, it cracks because you allow it to be subjected to thermal or physical shock.
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CARVING BLOCK CRACKING DURING THE FREEZE CYCLE
Many of us have been horrified to find a much-needed block of ice that has shattered during the freezing process. The entire bottom of the block is covered with small fissure cracks.
This is a more common occurrence during the Spring and Fall of each year when we see larger fluctuations between the day and night temperatures. The condensing unit works more efficiently during the cooler evening temps and works harder during warmer days. Pressure is created in the ice when freezing different layers of ice under different operating conditions, thereby causing the block to crack.
As a temporary solution, Clinebell has suggested that you take a piece of cardboard about the size of the condensing unit, poke holes in it to allow for airflow and place up against the "fin" section of the condensing unit. This is creating less airflow through the unit causing a warming effect. Under extreme situations we have suggested that a fan cycle switch be installed inline. The switch causes the condensing unit to believe that the ambient temperature is warmer than it is, thereby creating a more consistent operating environment.
Since the end of year 2000, Clinebell has installed a fan cycle switch on all Carving Block machines that have been shipped with the condensing unit connected. The switch is adjusted for the conditions at the factory and may need further adjustment. A local commercial repairman will be able to make adjustments for local temperatures and conditions.
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MAKING COLORED CARVING BLOCKS
Recipe For Single Colored Ice Blocks
To make a single colored block of ice:
Mix 1 pint whole milk, with 2 ounces of food coloring. Fill the chamber with water, then pour the colored mixture into the water and stir gently. (Don't tear the liner.) DO NOT RUN THE PUMP! (Running the pump, will clear the water.) Allow to freeze for approximately 3-1/2 days. The colored block takes longer than the clear ice.
Recipe For Multi-Colored Ice Blocks
Prepare the color mixture. Fill the chamber with water, then pour the colored mixture into the, water and stir gently. (Don't tear the liner.) DO NOT RUN THE PUMP! (Running the pump will clear the water.) Allow the block to freeze to proper depth and remove the excess colored water. Add clear water. Prepare the next color mixture and add to the clean water, allowing the block to freeze. Repeat the procedure for more colors.
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Freezing Items Into The Block
Silk flowers, live flowers, wedding vows, stuffed animals, Christmas lights, decorations of any type and much, much more may be frozen into a block of ice.
Determine the placement, insert the item, shake off air bubbles, hold item in place until it's secured In the Ice and let the rest of the block freeze.
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