Thread: Chainsaw carving - timber species

G'day Bob,
As far as I'm concerned this is very much a "suck it and see" problem, you could look at either end of the Billet and get a good indication of the pith size/area from that.The pith area on one end may be 20 cms, the other 14cms, therefore in the middle will probably be close to 17 cms, although this is never an exact science.
On top of anything else like atmospherical influences, every log will react in a different manner due to growth rates, reaction wood and a host of other variables, now having been a real misery guts about, personally I would try to season the blank for as long as possible or even attempt some sort of forced drying before getting real serious with it.

Thanks Bruce.
I was just going to pull a log out of the bush when I find one with a nice bend (knee) in it.
But seems like I might have to hunt for a large one so I can cut out the heart.

Actually Bob the bend can work to your advantage depending on the proportion of wood left in the finished carving the way the grain runs through the bend and the tension wood on the outer of the elbow can make it more stable than a similar sized straight piece. This can often be seen when trying to split firewood out of sections like this

I did a job for Hans Knorr's widow he did a heap of carving. She told me he used to start carving then leave it for months a year or what ever then start again. She said he said it will split other wise.
Most of his stuff was red gum (phoinix in Myrtleford) so it was unstable. Later he used Red box. There yard was full of half finished logs

I guess you can experiment or maybe contact Angela the Chainsaw Chick on [email protected] who was in the Oct Australian Woodworker for advice.

Bob,

There is a well known chainsaw carver in your woodwork club who I am sure would be happy to help you.

Send me a PM if you want his contact details.