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Thread: Tree part 2

  1. #1

    Tree part 2

    Some might remember the tree carving I did that went up one side of an entertainment unit /bookcase and arched across the top of it. It's in the sticky at the top of the page.
    Well it turned out they sent me the wrong dimensions and specs for the piece. The clients came to visit as the carving was progressing and they didn't see it either. It wasn't until it was installed when it dawned on everyone that it didn't look right.

    The last three similar to this tree that I've done the tree butted against the ceiling. In this case they seemed to forget this tree, in this room ,would not butt against the ceiling because it was a Cathedral ceiling.
    Once installed the tree looked like someone took a hedge trimmer and sliced it straight off across the top. They sent me photos and I was sick. The tree, had I known , should have been fuller and more natural looking across the top and gradually tapered off over it's length.

    After getting some other projects out of the way that were scheduled I was able to get the tree back in the shop and figure out how to fix the mess. Grafting on 40 more blocks to an edge that was not straight, let alone covered with carved leaves was interesting.
    How do you get straight edges along such a surface?
    I made some jigs that allowed me to use my router to create steps to add on more wood and gave me straight, clean surfaces. Not crazy about end joints but I had little choice in the matter. Two layers gave me some strength and thickness to do a reasonable job of it.

    In the photos you can see the steps I was able to create with my router to give me the surfaces to attach the new boards.
    As I was adding them on I used some temporary pieces to establish the length needed and used a string running from one to the next to create a general outline.

    Once all the boards were fitted into place I had to redraw the existing carved leaves on to the new surface where needed and draw in new leaves to continue the flow pattern established on the finished section of the carving.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    The Woodworking Studio

  2. #2
    Then it was just a matter of carving in a bunch of leaves and calling it done.
    It will now be picked up and go to the shop that did the original finishing to blend in the new carving . Then to the clients house for installation.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by Mark Yundt; 06-12-2014 at 11:58 AM.
    The Woodworking Studio

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    In the foothills of the Sandia Mountains
    Posts
    16,619
    Nice save. It’s hard to figure out how the customer didn’t see that one coming..
    Your work, like Randall’s, just blows me away. I would love to sit a watch you guys carve for a day.
    Please help support the Creek.


    "It's paradoxical that the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone, but the idea of getting old doesn't appeal to anyone."
    Andy Rooney



  4. #4
    Very good save, Mark! Good thing in the original piece you carved it as though it extended thru the ceiling which made your add on a little easier. We always seem to shoot from the hip and make things happen don't we?

    On a side note. Hickory requires the use of burrs, NO chisels!
    "Always Chipping Away"

  5. #5
    I can and do shoot from the hip and have been quite lucky. It's only wood and fortunately you can make it do whatever you want.
    I do prefer though taking aim.
    The Woodworking Studio

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Goleta / Santa Barbara
    Posts
    962
    Mark, I always enjoy seeing your work. Very talented and very impressive. Patrick

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Sterling, Virginia
    Posts
    644
    Amazing work as always. "It's only wood" LOL. I always tell people not to worry, "This stuff grows on trees"

  8. #8
    Ha! Even better yet!
    Mind if I borrow it?
    The Woodworking Studio

  9. #9
    That's the line I use when folks ask me where I get wood for turning. "You know it grows on trees, don't you?" You should see the look on their face...

    Nice save Mark. But ouch, what an unforeseen problem... I hate it when ceiling heights change and folks don't catch it. Makes for a mess when designing and installing cabinets...
    CarveWright Model C
    Stratos Lathe
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    Half-a-Brain

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