DIY Network

Ridgway Rendezvous - Dennis Beach: Chainsaw Dog Carving, part 2 An artist creates his sculpture as a performance art. From "Woodsculpting" episode DWDS-108

Dennis Beach specializes in carving in the round, like this hound dog.

While at Ridgway Rendezvous, Dennis Beach, veteran chainsaw artist and accomplished "hound dog" carver, takes a yellow pine log and demonstrates how to carve one of his "hound dogs. Using a number of different size chainsaws, Dennis creates his wooden statues. At times he even uses two chainsaws at the same time - one in each hand, as seen in the photo to the left.

Dennis' passion for this art is not only found in the creation itself, but also in the presentation. He gets great satisfaction from taking a piece of wood and carving his characters as people look on. He enjoys seeing the audience's faces as the piece begins to take shape. Dennis loves attending the Ridgway Chainsaw Rendezvous every year because he can perform his art and share insight with other chainsaw carvers.

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Materials:

chainsaws with various blades and bar sizes
protective gear
slabs or logs of yellow pine
grinder
flap sander
propane torch
acrylic paints
brushes

Steps:

1. Start by selecting a yellow pine log of suitable size. Cut off the bottom square so that it will rest flat on the ground.
2. Using a variety of chainsaws cut away excess wood to form the silhouette of the hound dog (Figures A & B). Be mindful of chainsaw kick-back and always wear protective gear.

Figure A

Figure B

3. Further shape the characteristics of the dog—such as nose, ears, and feet using a dime-tipped bar (Figures C, D, E, & F).

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F