carving – PRAIRIE BENCH

Soaring Cedar Bird of Prey

by Prairie BenchNovember 28, 20180

This project uses a sample wain cut from a West Coast cedar log. The wood sat drying for a year to prevent splits, then it was shaped with a chainsaw and sanded smooth. The final piece stands just under 8 feet tall at 94″ (240cm), 24″ wide (60cm), 9″ thick (23cm).

The reverse side is uncut and displays as raw wood. The outline of the upper wing is left mostly in the same condition as we received it. It took a fair bit of gazing and study to finally “see” the modified bird of prey with out stretched wings. We talked about adding a tail section, but the vote was to leave it at just a suggestion. The goal was to have a rough cut bird appearing out of the wood. The profile and wing style portray a falcon or hawk.

The chainsaw is evident in the way the feathers were cut using the round tip to “staircase” the surface in layers.

The finish is polyurethane which works as a durable and protective coating. It will darken over time and a light sanding may bring out the feather tips to add some contrast.

Sawitall.net

by Prairie BenchMarch 30, 20160

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Friends have designed and built their own CNC machine (computerized 3D carving). At PrairieBench.com, we had the opportunity to pass along some new designs to our patrons.

We’ve run coasters, throne backboards, shields, address signs, wall hangings and interior decor. Now we can design complex carving paths and produce art and functional wood creations.

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We will be trying out ideas and new patterns in our projects. Check back for our latest creations, or if you require custom wooden signs, crests, or plaques… leave us a comment with your email.

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Stag Shield

by Prairie BenchMarch 8, 2014November 29, 20150

One of the larger shields we make, the Stag Shield. Approximately 30″ x 42″ and designed in spruce with hemlock dowels. The shield is hand carved with a precision etching of a stag image. This is a functional wooden shield complete with iron hand grip and winding, and a leather sleeve. Total weight is about 20 lbs (8 kg). The Stag Shield is finished in Prairie Bench Storybook with a durable polyurethane clear coat to preserve the color and finish.

Designed as a wall hanging, this piece can also serve in a defensive capacity. FYI, the curved top on these medieval shield designs is functional and a knight would balance the lance on the shield, resting the shaft in the curve while riding into battle.

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Wooden Owl Mask

by Prairie BenchMarch 8, 2014November 29, 20150

The Owl mask is a representation of a local Barred Owl which lives in our region. It’s designed in spruce and approximately 20″ in diameter. Hand carved, it’s one of our most popular shield designs. The process includes pencil sketch of the features, chiseling the appropriate thickness and then cutting in the lines for feathers. The Owl Mask is finished in Prairie Bench Storybook tones. The mask would use a peg as a handle, but for the size of this project we’re using wooden grips. There’s a checkerboard pattern on the beak. The bare spruce will age golden and it seemed to give the design a medieval touch.

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prairie bench owl mask 273 5 — Hand carved feathers.

prairie bench owl mask 273 4 — Chiseled features.

Prairie Bench owl 1b — Peering from a spruce tree

prairie bench owl mask 273 6 — Through the eyes of the owl.

Dragon Road Sign

by Prairie BenchFebruary 10, 2014March 30, 20160

r, beware the dragon road sign. Someone took the time to carve a warning, so consider a different route.

This crest style sign is handmade with a rough wood cut of a dragon. It’s smaller than our regular shields with a doweled wood bracket that slides over a hanger on a sign post. The entire piece is made with reclaimed spruce and Prairie Bench Storybook finish.

259-BL-2-14Approx. size: 15″x28″
Spruce with hardwood dowel