Post #454329 by tiki beat by marcus thorn on Sat, May 16, 2009 12:20 AM

Aloha - I hope I can help you with some info from my experience

Wood drying out can be avoided by applying laquer to both ends of the log = this seems to slow down the drying out process. I know some old guys dip their wood in wax.

One sided angled chisels is what you want to start off with - then start getting creative with "half Moon" shaped chisels. I still use the first one sided chisel on my work and only paid $15.00 new.

To stain and gloss I use one that is satin finish laquer,it has the colour stain mixed in it - you can get different finishes , jarra, or walnut etc.

Have you contacted your local tip/dump/refuge? I dont know what you guys call it but where your rubbish goes. Often you can find heaps off cuts there. People forget that this is a good place for getting logs.

Best of luck with your carving and let me know if I can help you out anymore.