Hi there!

[MathewL]

Hey folks,

I've never joined a forum before, so here I am!

I'm hoping some of you kind people might be able to offer me the best advice on how to hollow out several tree stumps/offcuts to make into rustic looking plant pots.

Have very limited tools and budget, but am finding that a mallet and chisel are proving extremely tedious!!!

Any suggestions?

Cheers,

Mathew. (a very green wood-worker)

[BobL]

Chainsaw?

This will involve something called plunge cuts, best undertaken by someone that knows what they are doing.

An alternative for smaller pieces is to cut the centre out using a band saw. Obviously you will have to cut into the side to do this but the gap can be filled with a thin wood strip cut from another piece.

[crowie]

G'Day & Welcome to a top forum "Matthew".
There are a heap of members in & around the Sydney and surrounding areas.......
You'll find a heap of helpful & knowledgeable blokes & ladies on the forum and for most very willing to assist.
Make sure you show off your handiwork as everyone loves a photo, especially WIP [Work In Progress] photos with build notes.
Enjoy the forum.
Enjoy your woodwork....
Cheers crowie

PS - Watch out for a Sydney area "get together" at Katoomba....good to met and chat....
Keep an eye out for Garage sales, clearance sales, deceased estates for good secondhand tools...

May I suggest you ask your question stumps in the subsections as you'll gain a wider audience for answers....

[SiJ]

Hi Mathew, welcome to the forum! Are the stumps large enough to set a small fire on the top, and burn out the cavity? Might take a few goes with a small fire rather than one inferno!!!
Cheers
Si

[old1955]

Welcome to the forum Mathew.

[BobL]

Chainsaw?
This will involve something called plunge cuts, best undertaken by someone that knows what they are doing.
An alternative for smaller pieces is to cut the centre out using a band saw. .

I just reread this and realise this was not very clear.
Stand the log upright on the table of a bandsaw and use it to cut a central core or cylinder out of the small log. Use another piece of wood to cut out a disc to fill the bottom of the hole left in the other log.

When using a bandsaw the max height of log that can be tackled will be limited to the max depth cut that the bandsaw can cut.

[Xanthorrhoeas]

Hi Matthew,
Welcome to the forum. I hope that you mean green as in recycling! Woodworkers are amongst the greenest on earth if they choose to be so.

One of the biggest risks for inexperienced woodworkers is in damaging themselves. If you are not fully trained stay away from chainsaws. They kick and strike out with the inexperienced, often removing limbs in the process!

Have a look at arbortech. They make all sorts of carving machines and are highly regarded by woodworkers. I have not used them, and sure they can be dangerous too ... But worth a look perhaps if you want fast removal. Safer than a chainsaw I suspect (but am not expert in such).

On the other hand, chisels and mallets may be slow but perhaps the worst that can happen is spending time and a few blisters. Plus imagine the boast "all with a chisel and mallet" that must be worth something, whereas a hospital visit and a missing body part is just sad!


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[BobL]

Hi Matthew,
Welcome to the forum. I hope that you mean green as in recycling! Woodworkers are amongst the greenest on earth if they choose to be so.

One of the biggest risks for inexperienced woodworkers is in damaging themselves. If you are not fully trained stay away from chainsaws. They kick and strike out with the inexperienced, often removing limbs in the process!

Have a look at arbortech. They make all sorts of carving machines and are highly regarded by woodworkers. I have not used them, and sure they can be dangerous too ... But worth a look perhaps if you want fast removal. Safer than a chainsaw I suspect (but am not expert in such).

Arbortechs are good for a few cm and after that it becomes more difficult the deeper and narrower the depression required. The bandsaw method is probably the safest way.

[Christos]

Welcome to the forum.

Not sure how big the stumps are so this is very general advice. You might consider drilling out with a power drill and spade bit. Then knock the rest out with the hammer and chisel.

Does not have to look good inside as after you are done you are going to fill it with dirt.

[JJF]

welcome to the forum!

[MathewL]

Thanks for your help and welcoming words everyone.

A little bit concerned about losing a limb - particularly given my other interest of piano playing, so I think i'll try the drill and spade bit to see how we go with that!