[Callynne]

I have a new found respect for all you 'large size carvers' out there!! Yesterday was a beautiful day here in Pennsylvania, hubby came home from work early and decided we should work some on the huge log he has that's going to have a windspirit carved into it.

With my latest issue of WoodCarving Illustrated opened to Colin's article we began. Hubby making all the chain saw cuts and me scribbling the design on the wood and directing him where to cut and how deeply. Then I'd take mallet and chisel to it and try defining the shape a little better. What a job...we were both exhausted after a couple hours!!

I can see it's definitely going to take some time and a LOT of effort. You carver's that do this all the time....my hat is off to you...it takes a heck of a lot of both talent and muscle!!

I do have a question, the wood got wetter and wetter the more we cut into it, should we let that dry (Hubby says it will take YEARS!!) before we finish carving it? I can't imagine it can be sealed when it's wet. Any advice would be appreciated!

Colin....can you hear me whining clear down in Florida?? Callynne

[artolver]

callynne,
I would keep it wet till colin gets back, just to be safe.
art

Callynne, I'm positive Colin will have your answer because he actually carves into the "live tree" so he must have a method of finishing. And if your in PA, boy it won't dry out in April before he gets back in a week.

[Callynne]

Thanks guys, I agree, Colin will know what to do! It's far from being done, I've only roughed in the very roughest of detail. I'm hindered also by lack of tools...all my tools are for small carvings....not one several feet tall!!

I plan on using my reciprocating carver at some point on his face, that's why I wondered about the wetness of the wood, sure don't think doing that in such wet wood would be a good idea. And yes Coffeeman, it isn't going to dry out much any time soon, maybe out with HiHo in Arizona it would, but not here in good old Pennsylvania! Callynne

[macktruck]

cally,
colin mentioned one time that he some times makes a cut on the opposite side of the carving when carving a "green" log.
that way it will be a controled split when it checks.
i tried a large one too didn't come out very well proporsions all way outta wack. gonna try another soon. practice practice..........
macktruck

[Colin_Partridge]

Deborah,
Just got back from Disney World what a drive. Eight states and 23 hours later I just arrived home. There is three feet of snow at the end of my driveway in fact I had to park in the neighbors driveway. It was 80+ when I left Disney now I have to blow snow. I will answer your question when I get up tomorrow. BTW I went past the sign for Clarion and thought of you we were all very tired or I would have stopped in.
Colin

[Callynne]

Colin, so glad to hear you made it home safe and sound! Surely you didn't drive straight through?! We've made that trip a couple times, driving straight through, I hated it!! Anyhow, glad you're home, too bad about the snow, what a shock, coming back to all that! OH, and I'm very disappointed you didn't stop by!!! Callynne

[Colin_Partridge]

Deborah,
Finally I get back to the original question about the log in your garage. I couldnt hear you whinning down in Florida but I do now that I am back to the land of ice and snow.
You are right large carvings are not for the weak of heart it takes a lot of physical strength to complete one of these carvings. Just to hold the chainsaw take a lot out of you. Now you know how I feel when I do these large carvings sometimes I carve for 8 to 10 hours at a time.
As far as the water (sap) coming out of the log that is normal it is probably a log that was cut in the fall and was frozen. I log will sometimes take years to dry completly. Dont worry about the wetness of the log, one thing you will find is that it will carve really easy. Now what you have to worry about is checking. It will check as it dry's, some wood will check more than others. I take it that the log is pine. If thats so then it may check in a few different spots. One way you can guide the crack is to cut a kerf in the back on the log and the crack should go where you put the kerf. Also if you are not going to carve it all in one day put a garbage bag over it and seal it to stop the air from drying it out. Last but no least once the carving is completed set it up on a couple of bricks so that the air can go all around the log. If you leave it on the ground the log will take longer to dry out and will crack more. Now once the carving is done seal it with marine varnish give it a couple of coats this will stop the log from cracking as well. Yes you can seal it while it is wet as long as you have it up on blocks so the sap can run out. I wish I was there to help you with the carving but another road trip is just not in me right now. Sorry I didnt stop in had I been by myself I certainly would have.
Hope this helps if you need any more advice email me.
Good luck Colin

[Callynne]

Thanks for all the great advice, Colin! I knew I could count on you for answers, now if I just had some big enough tools!! The only thing I'm not sure is about doing the V cuts, I don't have anything do to that with and may just have to buy a large size V tool, the biggest I have is 3mm....don't think that will do it!! Hmmm, just thought about something, we have a friend that does lots of wood work, not carving, but builds things, he may have something I can borrow. Going to have to call my old buddy, best friend and pal up and see what he has laying around I can use! Thanks again for the advice! Callynne

[Callynne]

Ha! Ha! Ha! That's cute Colin, I just caught the, Dudley Doright at service Rose Marie, heading. Always loved that cartoon, that and Fractured Fairytales....wasn't that on Rocky and Bullwinkle? Oh man, that takes me back! Callynne