Turning logs into blocks.

bcarvings · #11 11-29-2004, 11:15 AM

Hi,
If anyone here cuts logs into blocks please feel free to tell me how you do it and what tools you use. I can use some suggestions. I saw a chainsaw jig where you can cut perfect large blocks of wood from logs. Then mabye I can cut them into desired size on a bandsaw, or tablesaw.
Anyone have any free jigplans for resawing jig for a bandsaw, or a chainsaw My e-mail address is bcarvings@verizon.net

#12 11-29-2004, 04:06 PM

bcarving... you need a chainsaw, with a few different bars and chains. If you can cut a square block (cube) & a sphere, a cone, a cylinder & a pyramid, you can make anything out of any kind of tree. Big thing? big tree or lots of glue.... as a carver, the first thing you should learn to carve are your 5 basic forms. chain saws is what ya need, laddy buck!
trust me..Art

#13 11-29-2004, 07:03 PM

Reminds me of the old blacksmith I once worked for ... first thing he had me do, after making coffee (throw two handsful of grounds into the pot, fill it up with water,and put it on the coal stove (don't wash the pot)) and sweeping the floor, was try to file a true cube out of a chunk of mild steel. It isn't any easier to carve one out of wood, it's just a little quicker.

Ky_Whittler · #14 11-29-2004, 10:51 PM

First off, safetey is first and foremost. Have someone teach you to properly use a chainsaw and get the safetey gear. My FORMER BOSS at work has cut his own leg twice now doing foolish things with a chainsaw. Big scars, lot's of pain, IF you live , when you make a mistake with a chainsaw. A chainsaw is only as safe as it's user!!

Now that the lecture is over , let's get on with it.

I use my saw to cut the section into slabs or boards as thich as I need. A good rip chain is best but not nescescary.Set your log section up on a couple of split logs to keep your chain off the ground. Lay the log section so that you are cutting it from one end to the other. Hopefully the bar will be as long as the section you are cutting , if not make the section just a bit shorter than the bar on the saw. tHIS HELPS PREVENT KICK BACK. You can eyeball the cuts or measure them out and mark them with a chalkline. Once you have your boards cut to the thickness you want you can then take them to the table saw to rip for width and length.

I've taught my fifteen year old son to use a saw. I am there with him at all times and I make sure when I'm felling trees he is around to assist me. Get an adult to assist you and show you how to operate a saw. I hope to chat with you a lot more over the years. Whittler

bcarvings · #15 11-30-2004, 05:59 AM

Sounds like a good indea. Only thing is getting my dad to let me use the chainsaw. I am a VERY cautous person. But because my dad isn't and almost cut off his leg with it...

Can I make that thing that the chainsaw going in? Also isn't it a lot safer when it's in their so long as you don't put your legs near it, and don't fall? Where is the cheapest place I can get one? Thank you

#16 11-30-2004, 07:17 AM

Remember, turning logs into carving blocks is only a first step. If you live in a rural area, there are probably a lot of folks around (like me) who have hydraulic splitters and would be happy to square up your log. I heat primarily with wood, and use the splitter a lot. Like all tools it must be used with appropriate caution and safety. I occasionally take a piece of walnut log (that has been dead a lot of years) and get it into a rough block on my splitter. Then use power tools to get it down to where I can put a design on it. BUT, even these long-dead logs are seldom dry enough. Be sure your design allows for splits and checks. If you decided to put a chain saw to a piece of wood, please be sure that it is firmly anchored. Cross cutting is easy. Ripping the log is a lot more of a problem and dangerous from both the saw and flying wood.

#17 11-30-2004, 01:01 PM

bcarviings, find a chainsaw carver, a good one... he may help you, he may want you to help him, either way you win..pick a good one, you tell can by his work.
don't EVER buy a cheap chainsaw!
art

bcarvings · #18 11-30-2004, 02:57 PM

Hi,
Are you art oliver the bark buy? The one that everyone here says I should go to, to get my cottonwood bark? Can I have pricing? Thanks

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #19 11-30-2004, 05:43 PM

!! heh heh Hi Art

(don't give him too much info on bark Art...he will want to plant the trees and harvest his own bark and put you out of business! LOL)

woodknomb · #20 11-30-2004, 05:54 PM

bark art is that a dog that is a art critic

hmmmmmmmmmm seems to me we have alot fo that around in the back! or slabs lol cedar and so on . By the way any mantle carvers here? I got took a sizing on a 5'x 13 .75' x 14' basswood block and it was nice.