How can I make a large block of ice without it cracking?
Question:I've got a large freezer. I have tried filling up a 3 gallon bucket and freezing it, but when I take the block out it always cracked. I was able to remove one in one piece only to see it break in half as soon as I put it down. Is there some secret?
Answers:
Large blocks of ice have this tendency. It could be the differences in temperature from freezer to the air--if it is too extreme, it will cause it to crack. I don't know the temperature differentials that would help in this case, but you might be able to research this and find out. This is why large ice sculptures hold up so well when they are created in winter temperatures. I do know that in sculpturing ice, one technique that is often used when a sculpture cracks and breaks off...is to glue it with water--place water on both edges that you are placing together and hold until they hold.
Use distilled water. Pour the water in slowly, then let it sit till all the air bubbles are out. It is the air bubbles that make it crack.
Good Luck
Use an empty, plastic milk jug. When the water has frozen, cut the jug away from the ice.
Make a wooden box ( leave one side open).
Take a garbage bag and line the box, staple it at the edge. Now it should hold water in the shape of the box.
Once frozen remove from freezer, undo the staples and it should come out easily.
Option 2 - Make the box but it must be water tight. Leave on end open to fill with water. After removing from freezer remove opposite end of box and push frozen ice right through one side and out the other.
Note: You may be able to use roofing tar to make it water tight, or a silicon sealer.
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