Cases of the random yard log verses angle grinder

 How does a random log which is doomed for the woodchipper, or the fire pit transform into something elegant and useful. The answer is for it to “pick a fight with an angle grinder.” It also helps if the person holding the angle grinder has brave nerves and an imagination. The discs which are used for woodcarving look very daunting.

    The transformation fight continued the next morning despite the operator being sore, especially in both hands. The worker used the lines drawn from the day before and realized more material needed and could be removed. As material was removed there was a shift in the inner transformation. It was found to be better weight loss to connect the holes together in the center, which would forgo the smaller twist. The center holes were connected and the angle grinder concluded they looked like a bug did it. It also helped highlight the other nature bug holes that were found through the material weight loss. The operator agreed with the angle grinder about the look and the future of the walking stick being developed. Slight alteration to the bottom was made to help it “stand independently.” Spectators of this transformation war agreed with the counter parts that the bottom of the stick due to a natural crack resembled a cow’s hoof.             The two different transformation wars were fun with their own challenges. The bigger transformation still needs work and will eventually be completed. The smaller one was successfully transformed, however it might be used as a base for a flower arrangement instead of a lamp, at least for now. The operator accomplished her goal of having fun and enjoying outside. The angle grinders current won the transformation wars. One log is in the finish coat recovery and will be homed when dry. The bigger one will eventually reach that point in the near future, hopefully. 

            I’ve only had one training mission with the angle grinder. That was when I created my sword. The training and trial, however, was incredibly simple. However, it wasn’t in the moment I was making my sword. I used the angle grinder to thin down and shape the blade. The simple part was because it was straight lines and simple angles. I have not yet taken on a curved project. It’s also fair to mention my angle grinder training was at the end of February.

           Now with the crazy idea to carve a log into something I went exploring. Off to my parent’s backyard, because I know they have plenty to choose from “for free.” They were saved for some reason which never happened. The best part as well is its “dry.” I think, considering I estimate that it was cut down over a year ago, but I honestly don’t know. I scoured the area to find multiple suitable candidates. The candidates were then ranked and placed in a suitable order.

       While the candidates waited in the wing and pondered what they would want to be transformed into. The fighting ring needed to be corded off and the weapons needed to be collected. Keep in mind the safety equipment was also collected and would be used, considering the operator is currently “still in training for the big leagues.” I found a nice shady spot in the backyard. The fight took many rounds, and the ring would shift on occasion to stay mostly in the shade. The fight is on. The first random log was secured onto the sawhorses for safety. It initially could not express what it wanted to be transformed into. This made the rounds slow and cumbersome. The operator was at an inspiration roadblock and had no ideas to give to the angle grinder. The angle grinder said, “I can’t start fighting operator without plans from you.” The operator only wanted to have some fun and “see what happens.” The operator determined the first round to be to clean up the log and give some uniformed shape. Hopefully during this round, the inspiration roadblock would break, and the log would express its desired transformation. 

            Luckily the roadblock didn’t last long. The log desired to be transformed into a walking stick, but wanted to be elegant, unique, and needed weight loss. The log transformed to an oblong round shape for the top, a slender neck to be the primary hand hold and another round block. The center was turn into a twist and progress downward, considering this log wasn’t perfectly straight to begin with. The twist tapered into another round block which then flared at the base. It was looking good, and the angle grinder was pleased with how it was coming out and the operator was covered in saw dust, sweaty, and tired. The transformation request was coming out however the log was still in need of much weight loss. The operator was at a loss because she didn’t want to thin down the log to lose its integrity. Thankfully a break was taken which prompted brainstorming to help with the much-needed weight loss. The worker wanted to develop a twist within the big twist. The doodle lines were placed. This made the angle grinder tap in the Dremel due to small spaces. However, the Dremel didn’t feel adequate due to the thickness of the log. The Dremel tag teamed up with a drill and large drill bit to give reference holes on the other side of the work piece. The drill also made some great holes for material removal. These holes were made. However, the worker determined the round needed to be called due to now becoming hungry.

                       The major transformation was completed despite some extra help in the man created bug holes. The angle grinder was tried and was ready to give the rest of the fight to Dremel and its counterpart sandpaper. However, the poor operator hates this part because “it’s exhausting.” The rough sandpaper was used to give the facelift and restore the wood character. Hours were done and the log was transformed to a functional level. At this point the worker was sore in many areas, project motivation was dwindling, and significant break was much needed. Furthermore, the finishing character and restoration had major requirements and was therefore paused. And it has yet been restarted due to another project distraction.

            Because another smaller log started creating a ruckus to want to be transformed. The angle grinder was now rested and ready to work again. This log didn’t need more time for what its transformation wish was. Its wish was to become a lamp or so it thought. The log wanted to have the look of stacked boulders. The second transformation fight began, with slight increased difficulty due to being smaller. Made it harder to hold securely onto the sawhorse. However, that was not going to stop the operator from having fun. The random size boulders were made, and the log requested some unique details to be added to the boulder. Multiple hearts were agreed upon to be added. This log fought back because it didn’t want to sit flat; multiple attempts were made to fix the problem. The ultimate fix was to tag in the miter saw. Obviously was the simplest solution which should have been used sooner.

            Everything was transforming and progressing until an oops. While drilling the center hole the angle was off which left a blow out in the back. It was not going to stop the operator considering she was having fun and wanted to see the final transformation. Thankfully, this oops happened before the final round was completed and could be adapted into character and hidden towards the back. Sandpaper worked to the best of their abilities to give a characteristic finish. The wood did cause difficulties due to the variability of the grain and how it was carved. This did not stop the tools from completing the transformation. Was there more transformation which could be done yes. Could the hearts have clearer lines, of course. Did the accent burns turn the imperfect sanding fight into character, absolutely. The clear coat just pushed the elegance over the edge of enjoyment.