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Without a doubt the hardest part of my job is managing the expectations of a client who has ordered a bespoke carving.  I’m often presented with an image which may be of another carvers work, something from nature and now possibly even something generated by AI.  These can all be good starting points however; it […]

Reflection As I sit in my van eating my lunch while I await the arrival of a lorry load of oversized logs, I can’t help but reflect on how many “hats” I’ve worn today.  You might remember from some of my previous articles, my job role has changed many times since I entered the world

No Escape As you might expect the activity of chainsaw carving can be very dusty and no matter what I do, it just can’t be escaped. The Health and Safety Executive are obviously low on funds just now as they’ve been targeting wood working establishments quite hard over the last few years (a bit like

When I were a lad! Some of you will remember that at one time, chainsaw sculpture was not my primary activity. I originally studied commercial forestry operations at college and then moved into arboriculture.  On the plus side it’s given me a good understanding of the wider subject of tree cycles, be that natural or

Despite my workshop being in a country park, it’s not actually open to the public. When I’m working inside or out  then the big door will be open to allow for some air flow.  I’ll have a net curtain over along with barrier tape and a big sign saying no unauthorised access, but some of

Trust in me If you’ve followed me on socials for any length of time you’ll know I’ve travelled internationally for carving. This is only possible because of the kindness and generosity of my hosts   It is actually possible to get a chainsaw on a plane but they don’t much like the petrol. It is far

You’re going to be in one of two camps here. Either that statement is blatantly obvious to you, or you’ve had very limited experience with timber. “Will it crack” is probably the most common question I get asked and it’s a really simple answer. Yes, although I do what I can to limit it. So

Those of you who have worked in industry for any length of time will probably have read my title and shuddered. The anticipation of that fresh faced job site official with an exceptionally clean hiviz jacket and their jeans tucked into their new rigger boots, preparing to tell you everything they know about nothing, just

Come October this year I’ll be “celebrating” 25 years since I first picked up a chainsaw. My original career choice was steered towards working for the ranger service and having finished higher exams at school, I enrolled at the Barony College near Dumfries to become an ERC! Don’t get too excited, it’s just shorthand for