Very nice John.
Taking David's advice
You know I carve a lot of pine panels from Menards and Lowes, mainly because they're already pre made in 24 x 48 and bigger sizes. But pine isn't the best wood to work with, especially when a lot of material has to be removed. David Falkner keeps saying to try more hardwoods, which I do agree with. But getting hardwoods, jointing, and gluing up is both expensive and time consuming. The cost has to allow the item to still be affordable for this type of market, which is usually an impulse purchase. Since the big Detroit area Polish Festival is this week end I tried something. I got a few 25 x 48 butcher block countertops from Menards. These are 1 1/2" thick and have a 100% useable surface. Basically no waste if you plan your cuts correctly. I always take some crucifixes to these events along with lots and lots of various renditions of carved Polish Eagles in all different sizes and price ranges.
Anyway, I took a chunk and put it to the test. Just under 23" high. I thought it looked pretty good so I just put 4 coats of semi gloss poly and left it natural. I know people will look and admire ....... but will they buy?
Anyway, I took a chunk and put it to the test. Just under 23" high. I thought it looked pretty good so I just put 4 coats of semi gloss poly and left it natural. I know people will look and admire ....... but will they buy?
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This David guy doesn't sound reliable... >
I think it looks great. Do you have one in Pine for comparison? Will they be priced differently? How are your marketing skills? :wink:
Did it take longer to cut than Pine?
MT Stringer
(really, this is Mike and isn't David just using someone else's name)
I think it looks great. Do you have one in Pine for comparison? Will they be priced differently? How are your marketing skills? :wink:
Did it take longer to cut than Pine?
MT Stringer
(really, this is Mike and isn't David just using someone else's name)
Messing with my head now, huh?This David guy doesn't sound reliable... >
I think it looks great. Do you have one in Pine for comparison? Will they be priced differently? How are your marketing skills? :wink:
Did it take longer to cut than Pine?
MT Stringer
(really, this is Mike and isn't David just using someone else's name)
I agree "Mike" -- gotta watch that David guy.This David guy doesn't sound reliable... >
I think it looks great. Do you have one in Pine for comparison? Will they be priced differently? How are your marketing skills? :wink:
Did it take longer to cut than Pine?
MT Stringer
(really, this is Mike and isn't David just using someone else's name)
Here's what the pine ones look like. The pine is cheaper. Now I have 3 sizes - 12, 18, and 23".
Used the same tool paths and speeds for both. I have to charge more for the baltic birch. Not a lot, but could be a deal breaker for some. I have stuff for just about everybody. From $8 to $200. Even made some "special" dance signs. If the festival dancers want them I give them up for the cost of the wood or less. These young girls really get into it. I've been known to make a donation or two.
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