Post #424003 by MauiTiki on Mon, Dec 15, 2008 2:09 PM

I typically stick to "Tiki Marketplace" and "Collecting Tiki" threads, but I stumbled back to the carving threads and came across Bowana's Tikis. WOW! I have a couple Palm logs that have been outside drying for nearly 10 months. When I got them they weighed 100 lbs plus, now I can lift them easily.

With Bowana's permission I've taken on the first log and am going to use his design that inspired me to start carving again. The Log is so soft and light I'm going to only use power tools for this one. I made a couple big cuts with my electric chain saw, then have gone to my angle grinder. I'm using a small sander attachment for my drill and a dremmil tool as well for the detail and finish sanding.

Here is where I'm with the Tiki so far. I have about 6 hours into it at this point. It carves like butter with the power tools and sawdust goes flying everywhere! I'm finding that I should have studied Bowana's tiki better and spent more time on my drawing.

Getting the hands and body figured out...

I have the Tiki marked up for the next step....

You can see the the log has/had termites, so I may plug the holes with some wood filler before staining it. Any suggestions for wood filler and staining it with something to protect it from the elements and more bugs?

More photos to come soon.