How can I raise a large log to make it reachable for carving?

[Gaviotagal]

This is our (my husband's mostly) first totem pole carving and the log is large, about six feet long and about 15 or 16 inches in diameter. He can't carve it with it on the ground. Any suggestions how he could get it up to waist height?

[Irish]

I would suggest that you dig a hole that has one widely sloped side so that it looks like a dug triangle. You can then drag the post into the hole, sliding it slowly down the slope. One rope, at the top of the pole, can be used to pull the pole upright with a lawn tractor. Use several ropes to keep the pole from rocking in either direction.

So, one rope in the center to pull. One or two ropes off to the left to keep the pole from falling to the right. And one or two to the right to keep the pole from going left.

Pull it upright then pack in the dirt ...

Mike and I, many years ago, dug a hole for a water lily pond. The pond liner was fiberglass and 4' x 4' x8'. There was no way for us to move the liner without the lawn tractor.

Mike carefully smoothed out the lawn in front of the pond hole which happened to be on a small hill. Then he laid fence posts on the ground. We moved the liner to the posts with the tractor and jacketed the front end up onto the first fence post. He carefully made sure that the liner was square to the hole.

(Which means he stuck up his thumb and eye balled the set up.)

Then, holding his breathe, he pushed!

The liner took off, rolled across the lawn on the fence posts then sort of flew when it hit the edge of the hole ... bless it ... it dropped right down into the hole without a hitch. When he put the level on it he had dropped that liner dead square.

Susan

Susan

[Gaviotagal]

Hi Susan:
That was an incredibly clear, understandable suggestion and I had to chuckle as I read it Bouncing S. Thank you so much for the information. I am sending this on to Bob right now. So have you put any carvings out around the pond? A large Koi carving could be very cool. I don't know how to post photos here as I just joined today. Some day I will show you Bob's first totem style carving.
Thanks for the ideas.

[Irishman]

This might not be practical due to the diameter of the log and the weight, but I've declined 5 ft plus logs onto a low sturdy bench with a large concaved holder on the bottom to keep it from rolling. This keeps everything accessible and your shoulders don't get tired from being elevated from carving front on. I've been wanting to carve a totem for some time myself as I really like West Coast style of carving. Be sure to share your husbands results when its finished.
Patrick

[Gaviotagal]

Hi Patrick:
Yes, this would be much better for Bob than standing the log up because he has fairly bad arthritis in both shoulders and raising the hammer is not possible or at least not for long. But, where would we get this sturdy bench with the two (I think it would have to be two or three cutouts to hold the log. Then, the cutouts would probably have to be custom made for each time he had a different sized log. Right now he has the log on the ground on top of a thick slate road base which is great for draining (and we live in a very dry area any way.) He straddles the log and takes it from there but, BUT, he also has arthritis in his hips....Waist high (the top of the log) would be best.

Is there somewhere on this site that explains how to post photos? I would love to show his first work and what he is doing now.
Thank you.

[Irishman]

What I use is not real sturdy so I would be scared to show you any pictures. I have read about chainsaw carvers using sturdy saw horses (reinforced I believe) and setting their carvings on them for detailing. If I come across photos, I'll be sure to share.
Patrick

[Doug Ridley]

1. Make sure the pic you want to show us is no bigger than 580 in either height or width.
2. Write your message, then scroll down PAST the box that says submit message until you see a little box that says manage attachments. Click on that.
3. Click on browse and find the pic you want and click on it. Then click open. Then click upload. Then click up at the top where it says close this window.
4. That will take you back to your message and you scroll all the way down to where it says submit new thread. Click on that and your message and pic should be posted.
Hope this helps.
Doug

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[Gaviotagal]

Doug: Thanks for explaining how to post photos here.

Patrick: Thank you for your interest in our totem pole. We are on the Central coast of California, so to you both

[Dan S]

Bet your local highschool football team a couple of pizzas that they can't pick up the log and put it over there!
They are bound to take the dare.

Dan