Needed something to do so made some sawdust

[Skunkworks Challenger]

Ever try Redwood burl wood?
That is really a cool looking wood to do custom stuff like what you're doing.

Manzanita burl wood is another one that looks really good.

I've not had access to those woods but have seen some beautiful things from the redwood burl.  I like all wood and find the spaulted hardwoods really interesting.  The box below was made from a maple stump I dug out of my yard. The stump had started to decay and wood bacteria "spaulted" the wood.

[moparmaniac59]

That's some nice craftsmanship. I like your usage of unusual wood formations. I used to own an antique shop for many years & just love wood products. Especially old world craftsmanship. I do a lot of refinishing, but don't make anything. My grandfather was a master carpenter. I have all his old woodworking tools. They don't make furniture like they used to. It's all glue and particle board now. No more motise & tenion joints! Back before the industrial revolution it wasn't uncommon to see single plank boards of walnut or mahogony over 2 feet wide on pieces of furniture. Not any more. I love the old wood bowls and articles made of burl wood. I was hunting last week and in the swamp saw HUGE burl wood growths on some hardwood trees and would have loved to cut them off and make something with it. The grain in a piece of burl wood is stunning. You make some nice creations! 

                                                                                Matt B.

[4Cruizn]

Nice work!  You and my father would get along very well.  He has a complete wood work shop in his basement and makes furniture all the time.  Very talented . . . .

[LAA66]

 Nice workmanship! Would you make a set of pistol grips for a 4 speed?

 Jon

[dodj]

Very nice! 

[Skunkworks Challenger]

Would you make a set of pistol grips for a 4 speed?

Hey, that sounds interesting!  I don't have a pattern.  If I had a pattern, an example or dimensions I'd give it a try.

[Skunkworks Challenger]

I don't want to bore you guys (and gals) with my stuff but some seem to be interested in wood, grain patterns (burl) etc so thought some picture of this decoy would be appropriate.  I carved this out of a solid block of Western Red Cedar that floated in on my beach as drift wood. I studied the grain pattern and proceeded to carve the one piece decoy shaped to represent a Canvas Back duck.  The grain pattern was used to simulate feathers and is remarkably symmetrical side to side.  I have carved a bunch of decoys but leave out a lot of detail like eyes etc---leaving that to the imagination of the viewer.

 

[moparmaniac59]

That looks awesome. Nice work!! 



                                                                          Matt B.

[spamtank]

Clever work utilizing the grain like that.  You have quite a talent.    A before photo of the drift wood might be interesting.

[jimynick]

Cool decoy! Do you use sandblasting to outline the layering?

[Skunkworks Challenger]

Cool decoy! Do you use sandblasting to outline the layering?

I carved this one in 1984 and didn't have a sandblaster then.  I used a wire brush because that is what I had.  I probably would use a sandblaster today.

A before photo of the drift wood might be interesting.

A photo of the raw block would be nice but I didn't take one.