hesperus_woodcraft

A friend in the US that mainly does green woodturning often uses the end slices, uses a forstner bit to drill out the pith, inserts a contrasting piece of hardwood and turns them into clocks. I would say each takes him around 30 mins to make and costs him around £10... including clock mechanism and his time (pun intended 😶). Last one I saw him sell went for $60. Not too shabby for what would have been firewood otherwise.

Hi All. I'm based in the Carmarthenshire area near the end of the M4. For a few years now I have fancied organising a public fair/show for woodcrafters to sell their products, sculptors to demonstrate their skills and for arborists to compete in demonstration competitions. Would also be good to have some tool and equipment suppliers on site to show their products. More than anything this would be a means of the public seeing the craft involved and for local tradesmen and artists to show their skills.... Whilst giving something a bit different for the local community to experience. If you are anywhere near this area, or would be up for travelling a little to get involved, please do let me know. I saw some great shows in the states and would love to see the same here. What I would think would work would be: - Arborist competitions. - Chainsaw sculpting. - Green woodworking. - Woodturning. - Carving. - Trade stands. - Eco-education. ... anything else you guys think could be fun. I would also love to hear from anyone who would be interested in getting involved to help organise this... woodcraft is my passion but there is a lot I will confess to not knowing. Thanks everyone and I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Rob

Hi All.... and thanks for the feedack. M I wasn't expecting so much so quickly... really appreciate it. Had a conversation with a friend who works for what used to be the forestry commission and I've booked on to a 2 day safe operation course. As for the saw... I've found a 20"Stihl with a local supplier... fully reconditioned and 12 month warranty for £130.... bag, mixer bottle etc included. I am going to pick up a 10" from XXX simply to cover the very little jobs... not much work so should last it's money. Cheers again and I will definitely be looking at the Alaskan mill... perfect for what I'm going to be getting up to. 😀

Hi All, New here so please forgive the newbie for any blatant stupidity and poor etiquette. I've had a little experience with a CS before but never enough to start thinking about things too much. Now I find myself wanting to use greenwood for turning and large carvings (Redwood Kings inspired to be honest). I have a few of questions which I would love it if I could get some help with: 1. Are there such things as neck and shoulder guards? I did some work with an artist from Seattle years ago who had a leather/composite guard that hung over his shoulders and fastened behind the neck. Just wondering because as a newbie to frequent saw use I want to protect from mistakes as much as possible. 2. I have found a saw on ebay from a company called XXX power tools. It's 56cc with a 20" bar. If anyone is aware of I would love some comments. I can't warrant forking out on a top make but don't want a load of rubbish either. 3. Most of the times I've used a chainsaw before has been simple crosscuts. Any tips, videos or guides on cutting down the length? Again... sorry for the newbie stuff... just want to get some decent advice before a new adventure begins. Cheers everyone. Rob

Hi Everyone, Thanks for having me 😊 A potted history.... Fine art trained. Now I train leadership and management to school leaders. Some random stuff happened in between. Mostly I stand in a shed and make hamster bedding using pointy tools and a spinnywoody thing. Sometimes things like bowls, lamps and other waste products are produced. Just started to use wet wood to make the shavings as apparently the hamsters prefer it; who knew!?! This has meant I have to now look at wood which come in the shape of trees.... a strange concept for me. Always thought it came in round and square bits with wax on. Hoping to learn something through the forum whilst spending the rest of the time giving advice which is hopefully corrected by other users before someone hurts themselves. Oh... and my names Rob ☺