I'd like to thank Dick (welcome back), Mal, MW, and Dave for their help on finishes.

Dick, my back has been out for the last year. Stenosis, butt pain, numb leg and foot. Gettin' better now.

Mal, I went to Lowe's and looked at Cabot's Assie Oil. At $34 a gallon I'll save that for when I know what I'm doing.

MW, the paint was already dry so I couldn't try the torch technique.

Dave, when I was at Lowe's I bought some of the Min Wax stain that you recommended. It worked great and I got the effect that I wanted. Thanks! FYI they had "Golden Pecan" at closeout for $1.99 a spray can.

So anyway, I got him done. Antiqued and finished with Man-O-War Spar Marine Varnish.
Thanks again everybody.

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Thanks again everybody!! Mike

P.S. Dave or anybody with a shop, what would you price this guy at in your shop? He's 33" tall, red cedar, 70ish pounds.

You know Mike, we carvers are great recyclers. I learned the use of Min Wax stain from a lady carver in northern Minnesota and I am glad you have found the magic it does over shinny paint.
What a person charges varies so much based on many variables, talent, speed of carving and painting, geographic location and your financial stability. With that said, I would ask between $600 and $900 but could consider doubling that to pay for that red thingy behind the carving. LOL Sorry B, couldn't resist that. I see you also use the floppy sander and a super jaws. You like versatile tools Mike.
The carving came out excellent. He is a cool rat.

If Big Daddy Ed Roth were still alive, he buy it fer sure! Doc

Dave's like myself and a lot of others, he likes to explore the backgrounds of the pix. "he who dies with the most tools WINS".

great work, I give a big Daddy Roth, flying eye ball hats off to you my friend!

He looks great Mike a winner for sure. Yea the cabots is a little pricey. I do like the effect the min wax had I will put that into my things to try list. Thanks Capt Dave for shairing that.

Here is my friend Ed and his present. He loved it. It was a great party, 200 people and 4 kegs. Now I have to just get rid of the hangover (any ideas on that?). Thanks again, Mike K

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It toned down a treat Mike, good to see ya getting back into the groove.

Take care and carve safe my friend.

dick