Green Carving from Logs

[Johnathon]

I've made several spatulas by cutting blanks from project scraps on my bandsaw and chiseling/spokeshaving. I'm waiting on a large gouge in the mail this week and want to do a couple of spoons. Then a neighbor had a large section of a pecan tree dropped and let me pick through it. I've got a few pieces about 14" in diameter and several smaller 3-4" limbs.

Are there any additional considerations for working with green logs that I should consider? What's the best way to get the wood to a workable state? (Split the logs until I can get it on my 14" bandsaw to cut blanks?) How do I avoid drying issues?

Thanks for the help y'all

 

[PeteM]

Are you looking to make "users" or decorative spoons?
There are many videos on YouTube that show the many different ways to make spoons. Just watch a bunch and see which method fits your style.

 

[Johnathon]

I have watched several ways, I'm inclined toward Paul Sellers method but I haven't seen a video of him prepping the stock, just carving from a square blank. Maybe I missed it though, his video library is huge.

And users.

 

[Mike Davis]

21 Questions EVERYONE asks about Spoon Carving — Anne of All Trades

Get the answers to the most common questions related to spoon carving. We cover it all including the best wood species, best tools and tool care, finishing practices, and more!

www.anneofalltrades.com

 

[PeteM]

My best tip would be "Don't overthink it".
It's not complicated.
Just grab a chunk of wood and start carving and you'll figure out what works best for you,

 

[Roy G]

Start carving while the wood is still green. As it dries it gets much harder. Keep the pith out of the spoon and it might warp but won't split.

Roy G

 

[Gofor]

Don't limit your green wood work to just utensils. It makes good stools and chairs as well. Using the proper joinery, no glue is needed, and as the wood dries, it pulls the joints tighter and tighter. I have a green wood stool I made from oak that has been in my non-air conditioned shop for several years as my main seating, and is still solid as any traditional stool I have ever used.

(Pics of riving the billets and making the stool are two of the albums in my Gallery).

 

[Johnathon]

Don't limit your green wood work to just utensils. It makes good stools and chairs as well. Using the proper joinery, no glue is needed, and as the wood dries, it pulls the joints tighter and tighter. I have a green wood stool I made from oak that has been in my non-air conditioned shop for several years as my main seating, and is still solid as any traditional stool I have ever used.

(Pics of riving the billets and making the stool are two of the albums in my Gallery).

Wow Mark, your gallery is really big. That's a good point though, I should probably paint the ends of some of this since I won't get to it for a little time and by then I might want to try some more furniture sized items.

 

[mrmilburt]

If you make the spoon/spatula thin enough, it will dry without cracking.