Post #548856 by amate on Mon, Aug 16, 2010 4:50 PM

Drasticwagon/Nomolos - thanks guys

4WD - Yes, I made the loincloth. The waistband is braided sisal twine and the skirt is raffia.

Jerome - I'm no Ku expert either. This was my first one and I was waiting for someone else to identify it as Ku since I don't know what makes a Ku a Ku. I've done some reading on Easter Island but I don't know much about anything else other than what I like to look at.

I really appriciate your compliments Benz. The cottonwood is medium hard but the chisel tends to stick and tear unless it's very sharp. I like it because it is not prone to checking. The sycamore,on the other hand, seems to split no matter what I do. The older driftwood trunks I've had might have a twisted or spiraling grain. There are also bumps, cavities and dark streaks. All that said, pieces about 6 to 8 inch diameter are not only a joy to carve but are delicately and beautifully grained. I pick up every piece I see.

Buzzard - we have a lot of Mexican fan palm in landscape plantings but I seldom see any being cut down. I rely on the native hardwoods. Get all the the sycamore and cottonwood you can. Whetstone!! great name for a town to live in.

Congatiki - thank you sir for your kind words and encouragement.

GMAN - Thanks man. I have always admired your work and look forward to your next update.