I've been woodcarving mostly small items like spoons and little sculptures, but now I've been asked by a friend's mom to carve a large mushroom for her outdoor decoration. I'm looking for advice on how to approach creating larger sculptures and making them weatherproof since it'll need to withstand the elements permanently. I currently only have sloyd knives, a carving axe, and small palm gouges, so I'm concerned about whether I can complete the mushroom without needing to buy larger chisels. What kind of oil or finish should I use? I'm assuming I'll have to carve with green wood, and I'm worried about it warping or cracking as it dries considering the size. I'm thinking of carving the base and top separately and then gluing them together—does that sound like a good plan? Any tips would be appreciated! Thanks!
2 Answers
It's pretty difficult to dry wood without some warping or cracking, but if you hollow out the pith from underneath, that might help reduce some issues. A lot of folks rough out the shape first and then let it dry before finishing the details, which helps manage any warping. You can use either a hand saw or an axe to remove the bulk quickly. Just be careful with your cuts!
To start carving a large mushroom, I'd recommend using a chainsaw to rough out the shape—it saves a lot of time! As for drying, it usually takes about a year for a log to dry properly, but if you use green wood, expect some cracking as it dries. Red or white cedar are great for outdoor projects since they hold up well against the elements. When it comes to joining the pieces, avoid regular wood glue; use a piece of rebar and waterproof construction adhesive for a sturdier connection. This way, if it gets bumped, the top won’t just fall off!