holding a larger piece of wood?

[drums57]

i have a tree stump about 2 and a half feet tall.whats the best way to secure it while carving it.for that matter any larger pieces of wood.any suggestions wood be appreciated.thanks.

[Dan Wegiel]

Hi drums,
It depends on what type of carving you are going to do. I carve using only mallet tools and small hand tools and find that the larger pieces have enough weight to set on their own. If you're chainsaw carving I'd suggest you ask in that forum because those guys know what they're doing. There are plenty of talented carvers in all types of carving that can help you, hope this helps.
Dan

[Mr. Chips]

I have screwed ( 3-4 screws) a piece of plywood to the bottom of the log. You can then stand on the plywood to carve, or clamp it to a bench or table.
Randy

[Goody]

So far I have used an engine lift straps and chocks. This has been a figure it out as you go project. The main thing is safety. Hope to Start working on this santa again as soon as my health improves a little.
Goody

[Donsexton]

If I were doing most of the carving with a chainsaw and the log is 21/2’ tall I would saw the bottom nice and flat and set it up on a bench I like the top of the log to be eye level or just a little lower. Same thing for heavy duty grinders and I want to be able to walk around the piece. If you want to go at the log with a mallet and gouge a professional grade positioner is what I use or my huge Yost machine vise. The saw and grinders won’t move a heavy log if you have it nice and flat and not rocking around. My positioner will hold over 200 pounds and the big Yost will hold more weight than my wench could lift. For large heavy pieces of wood you need a sculptors stand or a bench that you can walk around. This is a style of bench or more appropriately a sculptors stand and if you need the extra hold use a carvers screw through the bottom of the log.

[drums57]

thanks guys-the piece i will be carving is about 3 feet tall,so i`m guessing the plywood screwed under neith and then clamped on a bench would be my best bet.i just bought my first set of mallet tools.i`m really excited to get started on them.im the past i just did small santas and relief carvings.appreciatte all the advise.