Just anouther piece of wood

[NoDNA]

Well we went to visit this logger guy. Whilst in his shop he says' " Chuck what can you do with this old Walnut?" I looked at it and it was covered with dirt, sawdust and spidey webs, I says," Don, Burn it" Him , "I have had it for over 20 years and it has a need"
So sucker me, I brought it home and started cleaning it up. It has more cracks than the earths crust. BUT I see something here.. And am open to any suggestions, No a firepit is not an option.. Oh it is about 2.5 ft high 3" think and at the widest about 1.5 ft.
So to here it is.. Walnutchunk.jpg

[mpounders]

Well, a slice or round of wood like that means everything you carve will be into the end grain, which can be difficult and it won't hold details real well. It will soak up paint, because it is end grain, and even wood burning might not be very visible, especially after you finish it. All of this is just my opinion and my experience, so it doesn't mean you have to take my word for it! I mostly use pieces like this as a base for another carving. Maybe try carving a shallow bowl or dish out of it? Some people make tables out of such as this, if it is large enough, and may may fill cracks and crevices with epoxy resin.

[sappy]

I like the table idea, the flat edge would fit nicely against a wall.

[NoDNA]

Well, a slice or round of wood like that means everything you carve will be into the end grain, which can be difficult and it won't hold details real well. It will soak up paint, because it is end grain, and even wood burning might not be very visible, especially after you finish it. All of this is just my opinion and my experience, so it doesn't mean you have to take my word for it! I mostly use pieces like this as a base for another carving. Maybe try carving a shallow bowl or dish out of it? Some people make tables out of such as this, if it is large enough, and may may fill cracks and crevices with epoxy resin.

Your last sentence is just about it.. I was thinking "maaybee" a good soaking with a clear sealer, then after it is tight enough, to perhaps try to do some kind of relief (sp) picture in it? The grains going everywhere is going tobe a challenge, and all the cracks if you have looked at it closley .
Just wood !

[NoDNA]

I like the table idea, the flat edge would fit nicely against a wall.

Hey Sappy, This thing has a bow in it about 1" deep. "table" eh, more like a Salad Bowl. HA. And having ablast trying to sand it, it was cut with a chainsaw too thin and it is something..

[woodburner807]

Nice to have, Chuck. What about splitting it and carving the pieces?

[Steev]

Guy at my carving club was working on a piece of walnut just like that this week. He took a couple of cuts with a gouge and changed straight to power carving. He's making a sign with a lobster icon.

[NoDNA]

Nice to have, Chuck. What about splitting it and carving the pieces?

Bill, If you look at it real close you can see the cracks and dryness. But yes I had thought of that too, I am sanding one side down to have a Looksee.
Cheers Chuck oh and how do you like Texas now?

[NoDNA]

Guy at my carving club was working on a piece of walnut just like that this week. He took a couple of cuts with a gouge and changed straight to power carving. He's making a sign with a lobster icon.

I understand! I will have to take it outside to do anything like that. POWER CARVING THAT IS! I have a 1' Bear that is going out too.
But MMMmnnnnn a fishy thing might be good too.
Thanks
Chuck

[Eddy-Smiles]

Mike nailed it on the head! Sand the hell out of it and then apply a thick coat of epoxy gel-coat. Use it clear to bring out the natural highlights. I have an end table that my wife bought up in Tennessee that is made from red cedar. I only wish that they had used a clear coat instead of a product that turned it dark.

[NoDNA]

Mike nailed it on the head! Sand the hell out of it and then apply a thick coat of epoxy gel-coat. Use it clear to bring out the natural highlights. I have an end table that my wife bought up in Tennessee that is made from red cedar. I only wish that they had used a clear coat instead of a product that turned it dark.

OKY I asked for it... Eddy!

[woodburner807]

Chuck, I'd try a wedge and axe and see if you can get an idea if it will work out. The downside is you could ruin it?

Texas is great and we are fortunate to be here. It can get hot, but the constant daily sunshine is refreshing and uplifting.

[NoDNA]

Chuck, I'd try a wedge and axe and see if you can get an idea if it will work out. The downside is you could ruin it?

Can't ruin it too Bad??

Texas is great and we are fortunate to be here. It can get hot, but the constant daily sunshine is refreshing and uplifting.

And we moved to central Wa for part of that Sunny spot too. BUT lately it has been rainingway too much..
Hey Bill Take care.
Chuck

[Brian T]

Don't rush into this. That wood has been sitting uncarved for 20+ years. A few more won't hurt.
I would need to see it every day until I see what's in that wood. So far, I know it isn't a dish. It isn't a relief carving. Something 3D that stands up, maybe on a stone base. I do agree that power carving will simplify the shaping.

[Glenn Jennings]

Hi Chuck
That would make a heck of a nice fancy shaped turned or carved bowl. Filling the cracks with with epoxy perhaps with a turquoise colour added would make a feature of the cracks and there are enogh of them for it to look pretty cool.

You could relief carve an edge on it and inlet some different coloured wood patterns for contrast.

Has a heap of potential like one of the other guys said these things taketime. No rush. hehehe