First try at a Bear Bench

GeorgiaCarver · #1 05-26-2007, 06:18 PM

Here is a picture of my first chainsaw carving of a bear bench. I carved the two bears seperatly and then inserted the bench seat, which is a piece of oak. Took some time figuring out how to square the base and get the slab of oak secured but I think I finally got it.

Right now I am in the process of adding Thompson Water seal, a couple of coats. Next I will put a couple of coats of spar varnish and that should do it.

Wish I had some larger logs but this is what I had to work with.

Greg

chpster90bu · #2 05-26-2007, 08:35 PM

Greg....Just a terrific job on those!! They're a great couple of bears for that bench. How big are they? I might have to steal them for my cabin. Bonnie

GeorgiaCarver · #3 05-26-2007, 08:41 PM

The bears are about 3 1/2 feet tall. Thank you for the kind words, bears are a lot of fun to carve. I am going to try a racoon tomorrow.

Greg

Banjo · #4 05-27-2007, 06:18 AM

Greg, the bench is a great idea and the bears you carved look just perfect with it. Looks real sturdy. You did a good job getting everything all squared up.

xsailer · #5 05-27-2007, 07:36 AM

How could anybody not like this, it looks great. Have you found your finish technique to hold up in the outdoors?

Joy · #6 05-27-2007, 07:37 AM

Those bears can sit in my garden any time.

Tom H · #7 05-27-2007, 07:43 AM

Greg, I bet that anybody between 2 years old and 102 years old will want a bench like that. Great carving, and a very unique and useful carving at that. Tom H

GeorgiaCarver · #8 05-27-2007, 07:43 AM

As far as the finish goes I literally soak the bear with Thompson Water Seal. Multiple coats. When it stops soaking in I stop. I then let it dry for about a week in the shade. I then use spar varnish (a marine varnish made for the outdoors) I put on about three coats. I have a bear that has been outside in the elements for 2 years and you can't tell it at all.

Write me in about 5 more years and I can give an update

Again, thank you for the kind words. I would love to make more of these benches. It is hard finding the bench seat wood though!

Greg

Arnold Smith · #9 05-27-2007, 09:23 AM

I like that benck Greg, good work.

santagibbs · #10 05-27-2007, 10:28 AM

What a cute idea for your very well carved bears! Who wouldn't want that in on their property? I have a cement bench with two squirrels on each end..but the wood is much better . Thanks for telling us how to seal it.. My son does chainsaw carving and I had his first bear but the dad burned fire ants got into it and ate the bottom up... I am older than dirt, but I would love to have it in my yard... grin... Charlotte