Matt offering advice on Tree Trunk Selection, I went for Chestnut as i like the grain of the wood

Bark removal to check for cracks and faults in the wood

Finer removal

The trunk is top and tailed to get rid of the split parts

It is then marked for the center bandsaw cut line.

It now takes on a more well known shape

Getting the center cut line drawn

Through the band saw

The two halves

Marking out the template for use with the  arbortech

Joining the template lines leaving enough space at the sides to ensure that the walls arnt cut into too far

Arortech time

Arortech time

Finished arbortech cuts

Ridge removal with a hand chiesel

Ridge removal with a hand chiesel

Removal of fine wood hairs with a gas torch

Time to mix the wood joining resin

Small amounts that cover a wide area and it sets very quickly in the tub

After quickly glueing together Line it up and clamp the didge with Jubilee clips

Add the clips every couple of inches

Finished clipping

Finished clipping

Once the glue has set and the clips are removed its time to add the makers motiff by means of branding

Time for a cosy fire with all the trunk waste

Sanded back to show the beauty of the grain

First coat of varish

Time for some intricate tribal artwork

I decided on tribal as i find it visually pleasing

Blue seemed the colour to use as oposed to the normal black