Post #193222 by Aaron's Akua on Mon, Oct 17, 2005 5:43 PM

Mahalo to all for the great feedback, props & comps.

Raffertiki: Thanks, I heard this same method from Will (SC Tiki Shack). He sprays his logs down every night.

GMAN: Thanks also for the different tips on preventing cracks. I think the problem is that I keep my log & tools in the back of my SUV till it’s done. It wouldn’t make sense to load & unload every night because I carve in the park at lunch just about every day. Maybe the different temperatures in the car throughout the day make the problem worse, I’m not sure. I always wrap the log in a towel, but maybe I’ll try the bag. Hosing it down every day wouldn’t work too well for me.

Palmcitytiki & Palama: Thanks for the Benzart comparisons, though totally undeserved (there is no comparison!). Nevertheless I’ll take that as BIG comps, as big as you could ever ask for. Mahalo!

Rodeo, Spermy, & Moondance: Thanks for the comps!The cracks are no big deal to me. I think it will look cool with the antique stain effect. I don’t mind keeping this one at all. My neighbor actually would have bought it anyway, but I talked her out of it. She wanted it to go outside on the deck, and I know it will just continue to split in the outside conditions no matter what I put on it. So I’m going to use plain varnish or spray lacquer and keep it indoors where the cracks will fare better. She’ll get another tiki; it will just take more time.

Jungle Trader: Your high praise is much appreciated. I see lots of things that could improve on this one, but you know how that goes. Each carving is a learning experience. Thanks, you’re awesome, Bro.

8 Ft: Mahalo to you! Hopefully I’ll see some good authentic tikis that I can photo and post up for you guys. I will be sure to get straight front & side shots on the good ones. I am really leaning toward doing more traditional tikis. For me that’s where it’s at. I like the idea of getting the best source photos (old, original tikis carved by indigenous peoples), then put a modern tiki spin on it where I can. That’s my plan. I have yet to purchase "Oceanic Arts", but got a good look at the book at Doubravski's place a while back. This is a great book for real traditional tiki photos.

Ben: Now you know me better than that! But I love it when you mess with me. The 2-tone stain is always touch & go, being the last thing you do. But if it doesn’t work out I’ll just stain the whole thing with both colors & make it purple. :) Boy I thought I didn’t have much extra time for carving before. Now I’m a “Soccer Dad” with even less time!

Hewey & McTiki: Mahalo guys – I love seeing your work too. Thanks again!

Tiki G.: Your support is really appreciated. Thanks again for posting all the great pics from Hukilau. They made me green with jealousy.

AlohaStation: I’ve thought about filling in the cracks, but just couldn’t do it. I think with tikis the wood should have it’s way. It’s all part of the character. Mahalo on the props!

Polynesiac: Thanks – I was trying the “sepia” filter on a new camera I just picked up. I like the effect a lot. Kind of like an old vintage postcard.

Cheers,

A-A