Stump Menagerie

[Dan Wegiel]

Hi all,
Probably should have posted this one in WIP since I keep finding more critters here and there, more than likely will never be a finished piece, the stump is Maple with quite a bit of spalting and is huge. Majority is chainsaw and angle grinder work with a little detail here and there, my knees and back won't take any more. Started this project last fall but then the weather got bad and so did my health. There are a total of 17 different carvings including "Squirrelhead", mostly squirrels, mice, chipmunks, large tortoise, a weasel and even a small bear head. The only treatment used is Sikkens. Hope you like my latest "obsession".
Dan

[Sharon of the Dell]

hey Dan,
So glad you put this on here! It's really cool. I see more than in the pictures you emailed me.
If you never do any more to it, it's still great!
Question- is Sikkens a wood preservative or outside finish? I'm always wondering about what to use on outside carvings, not that I have any yet except in my mind! Spar varnish around here just doesn't quite cut it! And wood boring bugs are a problem. Just a wondering!

[Dan Wegiel]

Hi Sharon,
Thanks my friend. Never even heard of Sikken's before researching what the real "Chainsaw Carvers" use, at least here on this site, a tad expensive but if it works its definately worth the price. Suppose to kill the bugs and keep the moisture out, it worked great this past winter, the stump is dry as a bone. I used to use Spar but it dosen't last even one season around here. Take care my friend. Dan

[Doug R]

Dan, I like it alot you have done a great job and very creative, I agree that if you do no more it's still a very nice piece. I hope you fill better soon and enjoyed you stump. Thanks for posting the pics.

[Merle Rice]

Hi Dan, Your vision in a piece of wood never ceases to amaze me. Going to be another of your great pieces. Thanks for showing your progress. Again take it easy and slow. Merle

[idigjars]

Very cool. Thank you for sharing. Paul

[Dicky]

What a knockout centrepiece for a woodland garden. Nice work indeed.

[Dan Wegiel]

Hi Doug,
Glad you like this stump and I appreciate you taking time to comment, thank you.
Dan

[Dan Wegiel]

Hello Merle,
I think I went a little overboard on this one, might not have been so bad if I was 30 years younger. BTW, slow isn't in my vocabulary, only have one speed........Get er done! Thank you my friend.
Dan

[Dan Wegiel]

Hi Paul from SW Michigan,
You must be my neighbor because I'm only 7 miles from New Buffalo. Thanks for the kind words.
Dan