[Woodcarver] Mantel

[Ramsey]

Hi Dave,

I recommend 6" to 8" on either end between the end of the mantel and 
the end of the rock, so in this case, the mantel should be 8'  to 9' 
wide.  For pleasing visual proportion, and to allow a balanced palate 
to carve, the height should be no less than 8" and preferably 10" for 
a mantel this wide.   If it were narrower, you would be limited in 
the design to a very skinny area.   It would also be difficult to 
carve it deeply and still have room for an adequate border.

Cut the mantel oversize because there will be some twisting as the 
wood cures.  The ends will check so if you make it longer, you can 
trim off the checking. The extra dimension can be milled off later to 
true up the blank.  Hog out the back of the mantel with a chain saw 
to remove extra wood. This will allow the mantel to dry quicker and 
will help minimize checking.  When you cut out the back, leave about 
2 " top, bottom, and from the depth you intend to carve to.  Cut the 
line closest to the top of the mantel with a circular saw first and 
keep this line straight.  You can attach a board to the wall to hang 
the mantel from so that there will be no hardware visible.  Seal the 
ends of the of the beam with latex paint.  Sticker the beam top and 
bottom and cover with plastic so that no direct sun hits the wood. 
Leave some breathing room on the ends but protect from sun.  You will 
probably need at least a year, maybe longer to dry the blank.  Get it 
cut soon so that you can take advantage of the heat of the summer. 
If you need to get the rock up sooner,  use a plywood box to rock 
around and slide the mantel in later.  Don't attempt to scribe it to 
the rock.  You will be an unhappy camper.

Good luck,
Ron Ramsey
http://www.carvedbyramsey.com/mantel.htm
http://www.carvedbyramsey.com


Be sure to look at the incredible nature inspired art jewelry hand 
fabricated by my wife, Karen Olsen Ramsey.  It's worth the time to 
take a look!
http://www.artjeweler.com

I'm looking for advice:

     Our Church Camp is building a Retreat Center this fall and a 10' 
wide fireplace is being planned for the Great Room. I am currently 
clearing trees from the site and am planning to cut a mantel from one 
of the oak trees.
     What kind of dimensions should I use in cutting this mantel? I 
plan to do deep relief carving in it.
     Any advice would be appreciated.

Blessed to be a Blessing,

Dave Ullom <*}}}><
Algona, Iowa
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