Tiki Central / Tiki Carving
Tikisbytyler - Carvings From Neptune - Lono and pals
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TikiMango
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06/03/2009
I seriously doubt they can pull your license for a "noise complaint" in the early afternoon, but they might be able to pull it for "manufacturing" or "light industrial" work being done without the proper papers, especially if your license is just for selling. But it's not like you are chain sawing every day, right? Is there anyway to move into the garage? That would reduce the noise. Neighbors like that suck. I guess you need to check the TV listings and make sure you aren't creating any noise while Matlock is on. |
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tikisbytyler
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06/03/2009
My license is as a "woodworking" establishment. I did go tool shopping last night to try to find some alternative methods. Hopefully today brings more positive news than yesterday. |
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tikisbytyler
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06/03/2009
I have a whole new level of respect for you purist carvers out there that use hand tools only! I'm used to a little shorter time frame! Mahalo |
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AlohaStation
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06/03/2009
It sucks having crappy neighbors! Could be a blessing. Forcing you to use chisels may be their downfall - 2 hours of chainsaw = 8 hours of pounding. What you will find is that your designs will become cleaner and more defined. Plus once you get "in shape", you may find that you like the chisels better and that they are faster. I would advise getting a urethane mallet - less stress on the joints when doing heavy hitting. |
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tikisbytyler
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06/03/2009
Thanks for the encouragement & advice, AlohaS. I was out there pounding with the mallet today wondering if the cops were gonna show up again & tell me to go back to the saw & get it over with. I looked at urethane mallets at woodcraft, but they want like 60 bucks for them I wasn't sure what size I would need anyways. You know of a less expensive place to get a quality one? I saw one on the net somewhere for 20 but not sure if I trust it. My old handmade cherry wood mallet has never let me down, but it is starting to get a little brittle. So any advice on sanding? I like the texture from the gouges, but I think I may need to add some extra padding to my sander or go with hand sanding if I want to clean it up without losing all the nice strokes of the blade. |
BPB
Bay Park Buzzy
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06/03/2009
Yo Tikisbytyler Hand tools are better anyway |
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tikisbytyler
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06/03/2009
Calling it quits for today. Amidst all the senseless drama, I am pretty happy with the way this guy is coming along so far. See ya tomorrow if the rain holds off, folks! |
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Watango productions
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06/03/2009
Tyler,looks to me like your hav'n no trouble adapt,n to the chisels. |
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surfintiki
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06/04/2009
Wow, what a drama going on! Your not a complete carver til you own fifty-million tools!! Ha Ha |
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TikiMango
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06/04/2009
Don't let me intimidate you... at least until after we've met at Hukilau. :wink: I have a urethane mallet that I got off of eBay, it was red instead of green, and it is 18oz. I hardly swing with anything more than my wrist or from the elbow, and it drives a sharp chisel fairly deep. About the only time I have to do a hard swing is when I'm using a 1.5" round gouge for serious material removal. You will need to build-up your fore arm muscles in any event, as the urethane mallets are much heavier than the wooden ones. I paid ~$29 including shipping. It is much quieter, almost a soothing sound. I also think that a urethane mallet will save the wear and tear on your chisel handles. Search the forums for more info on the Lancelot. I will second or third Benzart's advice about getting a speed controller for it. Then you can slow it way down so you aren't skeerd of it, but still respect it at all times. Keep your guard on the grinder. The electric chainsaw is a great alternative, and gives you a great excuse to by a generator is hurricanes weren't enough. Then you can carve off-site if the need arises. |
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seeksurf
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06/04/2009
Good drama and a great carving! what more could we ask for. |
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laojia
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06/04/2009
Less loud, better finishing, more precise... It's a part of a solution like an electric saw. You have support here, keep the faith! J. |
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tikisbytyler
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06/05/2009
Thanks to all for your support & not bitch slapping me for being whiny. Also been intrigued by all the bone carving going on around here so I picked up a 6" piece from the local pet store that looked nice & solid, fixed the roof on my workshop, dug out my grinder, flexshaft and what burrs and stuff I have. Right on time it started raining. Just roughed out a shape so far.
Maybe I'll catch up with you eventually, Mango. By the way, between my wife being laid off from work & some other factors I will not be attending Hukilau this year. Maybe we can find another opportunity sometime. I would really like to meet some other Florida carvers & see work in person. Maybe that chop can become a reality sometime this summer. More updates soon. |
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tikisbytyler
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06/05/2009
Alright, really enjoying this medium, think I'll spend a little more time planning next time instead of just going at it free form. Now, how the hell do I polish this thing? Comments, suggestions, critique? |
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TikiMango
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06/05/2009
Polishing out all the bumps and valleys is still the hard part for me. You learn pretty quickly to leave extra material so you have something to sand down. I would say try to find a cone-shaped sanding burr (perhaps a diamond one) and a steady hand to hit the high spots. My first one I used 60 grit sandpaper and wrapped that around flat and semi round pieces of wood for a makeshift sanding block. Then I followed up with 120 and a buffing wheel for the Dremel. I've added needle files to the list now, and they seem to be working out. I still use a lot of sandpaper though. |
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tikisbytyler
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06/06/2009
Played with a few methods of polishing. Also started a second piece: More soon. |
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tikisbytyler
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06/08/2009
A little more work on the second bone piece. Trying to learn how to focus my camera this close up. Thanks for looking. Not sure any more whether the rain causes the bone carving or the bone carving summons the rain. |
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tikisbytyler
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06/08/2009
OK one more little piece of bone and then I really have to get back to work on some wood that I have already been paid for. Definitely coming back to this though. Lots of ideas for bone projects in the future. How different is working with stone? Do i need different tools? I know this isn't tiki and probably belongs on the "other" side but I guess I didn't want to start another thread yet and am returning to my typical domain later today. Comments, advice, etc.? |
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TikiMango
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06/08/2009
This last piece looks great. What did you use for the eyes, did you inlay something? One cool thing about Manaia designs, there's not a specific "look" that I saw. Are you staining your pieces, or is this just the bone color showing through? You're moving along nicely, and I think trying to tackle a Manaia design for your second piece is da ballz. |
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tikisbytyler
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06/08/2009
Thanks, Mango! the color is just the natural bone color. After all sanding and polishing I rubbed it with a little beeswax on a rag. [ Edited by: tikisbytyler 2009-06-08 09:40 ] |
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tikisbytyler
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06/08/2009
Oh crap, I think I'm addicted. |
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tikisbytyler
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06/09/2009
Ok, I swear I'm gonna take a break now. So I shaped the head before I really did any sketching and did not leave myself enough room to do it right, but learned a good lesson for next time. Thanks for lookin. |
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TikiMango
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06/09/2009
That's a good first hei tiki, I haven't worked up to that yet. If this rain keeps going though, I might have too. I learned pretty fast to leave extra material that you can sand/form down to the final shape. You only (usually) make that mistake once (I hope). |
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tikisbytyler
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06/09/2009
Hey, anybody out there got know-how on binding this type of hook? Any links/ sketches/ suggestions greatly appreciated! |
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TikiMango
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06/09/2009
This just resurfaced last week, check out page 4. |
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tikisbytyler
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06/10/2009
A little sunshine finally and time to get back to the project I am supposed to be focusing on right now. Enjoying taking my time on this guy. Thanks for looking. |
WP
Watango productions
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06/10/2009
look'n pretty Kool! |
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tikisbytyler
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06/11/2009
Thanks Watango! Most of the detail work in the headdress is done now. More to come soon, now that the bulk of the carving is done, I won't post any more pics till he is sanded, stained & finished. Thanks for looking! |
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Benzart
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06/11/2009
Yeah I'm Liking the way this one is shaping up. Lots of Great detail and plenty deep. |
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seeksurf
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06/12/2009
Nice Nice Nice way to go at it. |
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tikisbytyler
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06/12/2009
Ok, maybe one more shot - he's just about dry. Fourth coat of 'thane went on about 3 hours ago. At wedding ceremonies, he will be used as a podium with a bamboo pole thru his mouth holding a banner on each side. Each banner will display the name or family crest of the bride & groom & a lei to be exchanged in the ceremony.:D Wow, I really need to clean the sawdust off my windowsills & electric meter, huh? Looks about 3/4" thick! |
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TIKIVILLE
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06/12/2009
Very cool , now what would it cost to have this go missing after the party and mysteriously shipped to Canada? lol |
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tikisbytyler
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06/13/2009
"Mysterious" shipping is extra!!! |
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TIKIVILLE
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06/19/2009
pm me regarding anotber purchase , mahalo |
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Benzart
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06/19/2009
Finished up Excellent , I Really love the traditional look of this guy with your own stuff thrown in!. |
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tikisbytyler
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06/26/2009
Thanks Benz! Had a lot of fun with this one. (really didn't want to let him go!) T'Ville: Can't wait to make another shipment to Canada! (Let's just pray delivery goes a little smoother this time!) Took another stab at the Hei Tiki. The eyes are just some little spiral shells I have a ton of. Mahalo in advance & thanks for looking. Tyler |
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tikisbytyler
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06/30/2009
OK, so I got a little skippy with the saw this weekend and got quite a bit done. Had a request for one of my older styles and knocked out this guy. The next one was a little study in the Moai form. And since I was on a roll, I really missed that Akua Kai I sold so did another little play on the same style: More soon; I just stripped a 6 footer that is HEAVY! About 16" in diameter. Mahalo |
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TIKIVILLE
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06/30/2009
hey that last ones great too! hmmm ( they are all great!) ( just giving this dude Tyler the thumbs up ) |
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seeksurf
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07/01/2009
Well done you are on a roll. |
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tikisbytyler
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07/01/2009
T'VILLE; thanks, man. You are too kind. I hope you will enjoy Lono, he should be about half way to you by now! Let me know when you are ready for your next installment. I'll keep trying to upgrade. Seeks; Thanks for your kindness, I take a lot of inspiration from your work so I really appreciate the kind words. Beginnings on the six footer. Thanks for looking! |
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seeksurf
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07/01/2009
Nice a 6'er! Very cool looking thus far. |
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Benzart
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07/02/2009
Great beginnings Tyler, keep making yourself do the difficult stuff, you learn more that way. |
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tikisbytyler
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07/08/2009
Thanks, Seeks. he is going to have a squat little body, but i think the overall effect will be nice. Don't think I'll get the intricacy i wanted in the headdress. I appreciate the encouragement, Benz. I am happy to have so much to learn! Looks like the rain might force me back into the shed to work on some bones again. On the bright side, my father in law's neighbor is cutting down a nice thick Sabal to make room for this obnoxiously huge boat he bought, so I should be getting some new big wood. OK, that didn't sound right... or did it? |
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TikiMango
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07/08/2009
Nice chunk o' log! How do you manage to handle something that big alone? The headdress might be on the short side, but the proportions look good. |
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tikisbytyler
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07/08/2009
Ah, if I had a nickel for every time... I'd have exactly one nickel. Thanks for the kind words, Mango. And it's all about leverage, ropes & low hanging oak trees! :) :o :) |
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kingstiedye
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07/19/2009
i got the manaia in the mail yesterday. i'm very impressed! smooth lines and a great design. the shell eye looks great too. i can't believe i got this for 99 cents! my advise is you need better pictures. it's the only reason i can think of for why it didn't get more bids. mahalo tyler! |
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tikisbytyler
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07/20/2009
Thanks, Kingstiedye I'm glad this one went to someone who appreciates it. Anyways, I'm very glad you are enjoying the piece! Mahalo! |
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tikisbytyler
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07/29/2009
Another Moai headed to Jersey!
This is before sanding & deep brown finish. So the cops came out again & delivered a letter from the city manager stating that based on that complaint about a month ago they have decided to pull my license & fine me $750/day if they catch me carving here again. The first pic above is at my new "shop" It's a storage unit in the industrial section of town over by the navy base. On the plus side, I don't have to pay the electric bill, my wife can't sneak up on me with the "honey-do" list while I'm trying to carve & it's so friggin hot out there I HAVE to lose some weight out of this deal. The show must go on though! Maybe next week I'll get back to work on the big guy. Mahalo for looking! |