| Project by Les Hastings | posted 669 days ago | 473 views | 1 time favorited | 15 comments |  |
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Okay this project is pretty much where things all began….
Hand carved western table made out of sugar pine. The top is 84” in Dia. There is about 44’ of hand carved 3/4” rope around the top. Four different scenes around the band of the table seperated by a block with a different carving on each of those. The carved area is 2 or 2 1/2” tall, don’t remember for sure. I have to check on that.
When I first came to work in here 1991 no one ever carved on any of the furniture, “Why not” I asked. The responce I got was “No one knows how.” “I’d like to try if there is ever a chance to.” Was my reply. A few weeks went by and this table came about. “Think you can do this?” “Don’t know,,,but lets find out.” We got the job and so I got started.
It took a total of 314 hours to complete, we bid 315.
Now most people never believe this but I assure its the truth! This was the first carving I ever did of any kind relief or otherwise. I can not explain it, it just happens. All I can tell you is that I can see it in my head before I start. I’ve never been taught, I just jumb in and get my feet wet and go.
This table went to Aspen Co. recently the house was sold that this table was built for. The buyers would not buy the house without the table. Its things like that and the reaction from the person or person’s that a project is for that makes it all worth while for me.
OK! Trying to figure out how to do this. Let’s see if it works. Here’s some more pictures of the carvings around the table.
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Ok Dude’s I think I figure it out! (I’m a woodworker not a computer geek)
-- Les, Wichita, Ks. (I'd rather be covered in saw dust!)
15 comments so far
GaryK
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9536 posts in 885 days
posted 669 days ago
Nice looking table. Excellent carvings!
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
hap
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233 posts in 686 days
posted 669 days ago
nice work.
-- hap, gunbarrel city tx.
CharlieM1958
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7666 posts in 1116 days
posted 669 days ago
Great job!
-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"
rikkor
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11335 posts in 772 days
posted 669 days ago
Wow, that would make a long time carver proud, much less a first time effort. Good job.
MsDebbieP
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14162 posts in 1058 days
posted 669 days ago
a natural skill.. how wonderful that you discovered it and have been able to put it to such – beautiful- work!!
wonderful
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Thos. Angle
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4013 posts in 860 days
posted 669 days ago
Very well done. Excellent
-- Thos. Angle
Scott Bryan
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20740 posts in 719 days
posted 669 days ago
The carving really makes this a one of a kind piece of furniture. This is something that simply isn’t done anymore largely because (1) most people are reluctant to pay for the actual cost of producing a hand carved piece and (2) this is largely a lost art among woodworkers.
I am amazed at your self confidence in this area. Most first time carvers would have “honed” their skills before tackling something as advanced as this. Your craftmanship speaks for itself.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
forkboy
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48 posts in 672 days
posted 669 days ago
Fantastic work, I couldn’t even draw something like that, let alone carve it.
-- Perth, Australia
DAN
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6454 posts in 880 days
posted 669 days ago
welcome to lj’s LES. You do nice work.
-- work from your heart and your spirit will live forever
schroeder
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513 posts in 1023 days
posted 669 days ago
Wow! – Great story and table! – You obviously have a gift! Very nice workmanship!
-- The Gnarly Wood Shoppe
Napaman
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3492 posts in 974 days
posted 669 days ago
wow…they wouldnt buy the house without the table…that says it all right there…amazing work!!! welcome to LJ’ssss…
-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...
gizmodyne
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1678 posts in 987 days
posted 669 days ago
Good night! Great table. The carving is awesome. What is the finish?
-- -John "Do I have to keep typing a smiley? Just assume it's a joke." www.flickr.com/photos/gizmodyne
dalec
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580 posts in 786 days
posted 669 days ago
Nice! Very intricate carving work. Lots of work!
Dalec
Dana
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73 posts in 668 days
posted 667 days ago
Wow!!! I can picture this table in a beautiful log cabin in west Texas,...(which is where I want to live :) ) Your story is amazing,...but if you are like many people,..including myself,....” I feel anyone can do anything if they put their mind to it,...nothing is impossible.” However for your first carving this is awesome. Absolutely breathtaking!!!!!!!
-- Dana,Texas
Kevin Violette
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214 posts in 761 days
posted 664 days ago
314 HOURS!!!! Woah…..it is truly a beautiful piece.
-- Kevin -- (http://www.furniturebykevin.com)