dervishcarving

a straw as a file cover? GENIUS. I will get some asap (plus it means i can get some junk food, every now-and-then i crave it)

This was old oak, at times i would carve into a very wet section so i knew it had a high cracking-chance. I applied a coat of decking oil after i finished the initial carving (last week), after sanding. This week i ended up giving it several coats of linseed oil as i went along. I would do teh details on one side of a wing and then oil it then did the next part. I find this is essential when carving in the sunshine. I guess it has had a good 3 coats so far and it will get a few more before i let it go. Checked it today and no cracking yet.

This was old oak, at times i would carve into a very wet section so i knew it had a high cracking-chance. I applied a coat of decking oil after i finished the initial carving (last week), after sanding. This week i ended up giving it several coats of linseed oil as i went along. I would do teh details on one side of a wing and then oil it then did the next part. I find this is essential when carving in the sunshine. I guess it has had a good 3 coats so far and it will get a few more before i let it go. Checked it today and no cracking yet.

Oh thats sad. When you get a decent partnership you form a bond. Sorry mate. Whats the big fellah? Harris? Let me know sometime when your going out, its been years since i was round raptors and id love to come along

glad the raptor-expert approves

Its a shame the feather details are not clear, i used a dremell to put fine detail on the primary feathers

Another carving, this time a raptor with a baby bunny in its talons (poor bunny). It will probably go to the community site close to my house but somebody asked me today if i would sell it so who knows. Its relatively light so i am worried if i put it at the community site it will get nicked (and its nice to sell carvings) Anyway, here it is. Chainsaw carved then finished with a sander. Carved from Oak (old oak, has been lying for a few years) just over 6 foot high. Finished with linseed oil.

Lovely work, buzzard in particular. I tend to use an electric saw at the house, just to avoid hassle mind you, most of the neighbours know i carve and many have asked for things so maybe its good advertising

All my bowls are turned on a pole-lathe, this kind of deep narrow 'bowl' is way beyond my abilities

good depth there!

thats a big twig, wonder what will be done with it. big enough for a totem pole

like the idea and teh story eddie, hope she hates it

nice one Craig. I might have to look at a big saw sometime anyway, just not till it starts to pay for itself Roni, I didn tknow that was still considered a real risk?

Larf Gnome, Craig and I were discussing the same thing

You tryin to tell us you're not ready yet Craig? surely all systems are in place so an early start would be ok? (i can hear the fear ) Thats one of the things that is really concerning me for next year Roni, I dont have a saw big enough to handle that size log! to miss-quote Jaws, Im gonna need a bigger saw! Or find a loaner for the weekend (Hi craig )

I would say you want a froe (to split the logs lengthwise into quarters or less), a side-axe, a draw knife (pics above) and then some detailing tools... push chisels, carvign knives, spoon knives etc. i guess it depends on where you want to go with the wood but that lot would get you started Only other thing i would say you should consider is how you are going to secure the wood as you hack it A shave horse is a good start or a large vice? (besides drinking, that's a large vice but well recommended )

Didnt know you were there Gnome, Guss and I were there too. should have posted pictures to recognise each other

Loved that one Roni, different from teh norm. see you there next year i hope

like. Dunno what it is, but i like

Yup, hope to see Craig up there. to any other Arbtalkers, I will be the tall one in the fireman's coat and australian hat please, dont give me the 'high expectations' pressure, i get nervous enough as it is

Thats ok, usually i am fluent in gobbledeygoop, maybe my babelfish was on the blink Nice work on the Euc, i hate cutting those things when they are green, just feels 'slimy'. You got my number yes? on the card? next time, gimmie a txt and if i can be there i will. Usually I am in Dundee during the week-days but i am allowed days off (not that i ever get round to taking them). Its a shame he didnt get you to leave a decent stump! Given that they put up with me carving in the yard next-door i would have done them a quick carve for free! Never mind, their loss i guess Yep, the standing-wood in the yard is my next project, as soon as i get a chance to start on it. They want a soaring bird (buzzard or sea eagle are our two local 'raptors') to go up at the top of a park, should be a nice challenge. Is a lovely piece of oak at least. I would have started it yesterday but i ended up doing a day of wind-blown clearing with another mate round stonehaven. Might not be for a few weeks now. You heading up to Carve Carrbridge tomorrow? I think I will. never had a chance to see any other carvers in action so I can go and learn how to do this carving stuff properly Dave

I dunno about the rot-time (beyond its years not tens of years) but i know that cuttign beach cloggs-up the saw fast. chainsaw or band-saw

Oh, i see it now. You clearing that tree? Wish i had known, could have given yo a hand. w as off work today doing some tree clearing up Touks-way. Mainly clearing wind-blown trees, soft and hard-wood. Dropped a couple as well just to clear the space. A fun day.

say what now?