Carving is a profession and a way of life
To R.D. (Ronald Dean) Coonrod, who does all his carving and finishing work in his gallery in Quincy, Ill., chain saw carving is a profession and a way of life. He also manages his own eight-man carving business - the Loghoggers - and manages carving events nationwide for various fundraisers.
Coonrod credits his family as being his inspiration. "I work hard for my family and they are all the inspiration I need" he says. According to Coonrod, it was his father who encouraged him to get involved in carving. "My dad's a carver, too," he says. "I guess I'm living out my dream and my dad's dream, too." While his father taught him how to use a chain saw, Coonrod says he uses his own imagination and vision to carve.
In his spare time, Coonrod and his father share another hobby. "My dad and I restore old horse carousels circa 1905-1913," he says. "When the carousels are restored, we place them in public parks."
While Coonrod has used ECHO chain saws frequently over the past 15 years, he's been using them exclusively for the last three years. "I own about 200 chain saws," he says, "and there isn't a single ECHO saw I don't like.
"For detailing, I prefer the ECHO 33.4 cc CS-346. I also like the 45.0 cc CS-440 and the 50.1 cc CS-520. If I had to pick one, it would be the 66.7 cc CS-670 for blocking out. It's a big saw."
According to Coonrod, vibration control is what sets ECHO chain saws apart from the competition. "ECHO has the smoothest engine on the market, and ECHO chain saws literally saved my carving career," he says.
Coonrod has competed against fellow ECHO Carving Team members Bob King, Mark Colp and Mike Bihlmaier, so being part of the team was a no-brainer for him. "I just had to be part of this team," he says. "ECHO has stepped forward to create this team and they really deserve a lot of respect," says Coonrod. As an active member of the team, Coonrod hopes to develop positive growth and awareness of chain saw carving in the public eye.
Coonrod says there is a high-energy atmosphere surrounding the entire competitive carving experience. "For me, it's walking out to the grounds first thing in the morning. It's the roar of the chain saws. It's the camaraderie."
Coonrod's most challenging carving project to date is a 6 ½-foot high prairie chicken he carved from pine for a night club in Texas (aptly named the Prairie Chicken). "I worked off a single-dimension cartoon drawing of a prairie chicken to carve that piece," he recalls.
The piece he's most proud of, however, is a much smaller one. "I carved a duck falling out of the sky - with its wings folded and its head to the side - out of a mesquite root that was about 10 inches in diameter," he says. "It took me all of 12 minutes to carve. I've been offered huge amounts of money for this piece, but I won't ever give it up."
To those carvers who say the uncut wood "speaks" to them, Coonrod says: "As soon as I find a talking tree, I will go on the road with my talking tree and do shows across the country." While the wood doesn't speak directly to him, Coonrod concedes that certain pieces of wood lend themselves to a particular sculpture or carving.
Tips and advice
Coonrod believes the future of chain saw carving will be very exciting. “The evolution of the sport has been incredible so far,” he says.
When it comes to offering carving tips, Coonrod says, “Your health is everything, so maintain it. Pay attention to your body. Keep your saw sharp and use only ECHO chain saws to keep vibrations to a minimum. Learn how to carve with a chain saw, not a power tool.” When it comes to safety, Coonrod emphasizes the importance of wearing safety gear. “Remember that the small saw will cut you just as bad – or worse – than the big saw. Never forget that you have that chain saw in your hands. Keep your mind on the game.”
As far as treating and curing a carved piece, Coonrod says there is no way to cure a log without some cracking. “Wood can’t dry without cracking. I apply semi-transparent oil for outside pieces. There are some cracks, but nothing too bad. For indoor pieces, I soak them in teak oil, and then apply a varnish.”
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