Post #245371 by Bay Park Buzzy on Thu, Jul 27, 2006 7:33 PM

I changed my mind about posting this project because I found out why another copy of one of my tikis was required. At first, I just thought someone wanted a crappy, cheap tiki. The design of the original was largely defined by a large scar that the tree service did prior to my receiving the log. The design was not tiki at all, more like a messed up face on a log piece. I guess that someone saw it as something different. He looked at it and saw half of a bench. All that was needed was another side of the bench, hence the need for an exact copy of my worst tiki ever...
This is kind of the idea. I put bamboo in front to cover the white boards that I placed there for illustrative purposes :down:

I started by making a log the exact same size as the original. My Ryobi planer had the speed and precision to form this log in moments. The next step was to redraw the original design in exact scale. I used a combo of rulers and stencils for this. It was harder the second time, because the first time I just free handed it. I rough cut it with the chainsaw and then cleaned it up with a gouge :down:

It's close :down:

Sanded it down to match :down:

It's like an attractive woman in the early spring. Looks great, all she needs is a little tan to be perfect...

Oh no! I just realized that I'm one of those assembly line, same design, chainsaw carvers. I suck! I hope I fail...

This is the final idea (I do not have to do the bench top. Cheapskates!)

Looks like crap with that white wood. Pretend it's the coolest color ever

I'm going to make another one, but make it good this time. It's a good idea; too bad it isn't my best work. I guess the important thing is that the person who spent his money on this liked it. What do I know anyway? I'm just a backyard carver...
Bench Maker Buzzy Out!