Super cool stump + scrap metal = ART

A few weeks back a came across some really cool stumps off the side of the road. One we turned into an end table and the second was going to be a really unique chair. We had to scrap the chair idea after my stump had a week area and split.

Man, what a bummer... O well no point in fretting at the "could of" we have a really cool stump to do something with.

I'm thinking let's showcase the inside of this thing by making it into a super cool art piece!!

 looking at the inside of our project

 

Stage 1, sectioning the piece to have an organic flow. With a chainsaw section your piece to mimic the flow you want. I was going for a trunk look, larger at the bottom with a slight taper. You don't have to have a hollow stump to do this it will just take more cutting with a chainsaw (you may consider showcasing either side per your preference).

stage 1 laying out an organic flow

Stage 2, finding your material to space your sections of stump. I had a scrap aluminum awning that someone was throwing out years ago, so I used that, and cut it into 12" lengths. 3/4" Galvanized pipe in 12" lengths would work and look great also (probably better since it's round).

What ever material you use make sure it's strong enough to support the sections of stump.

stage 2 cutting out my spacers

Stage 3, the amount of spacers needed depends on how many sections your piece will be. I needed six total pieces (2) for each section. I like the look of aluminum when sanded so I sanded it with a rough 60 grit paper. Had I used galvanized pipe I would of left the finish as is.

stage 3 scuffing up my 12" spacers

Stage 4, my spacer stock was 1 1/4" at the widest point; using a hole saw with the right diameter to give  a tight fit start drilling out holes. Hole saw bits will allow you to go only so deep, then you have to chip out what you just drilled and start again. You need a depth of about 4" per hole.

I prefer the look of clean lines. To get all your spacers lined up treat each section individually and mark drill holes by laying out the project like stage 1 pic.  Drill your two holes and align with the next section of stump.
 

stage 4 drilling spacer holes

Stage 5, after test fitting your spacers fill each hole with a premium construction adhesive. Insert spacer and pound it in (don't pound directly on spacer surface use a scrap 2x4 as a buffer so you don't damage spacer ends). Work your way from bottom to top until project is done.

stage 5 filling holes with a premium construction adhesive

Stage 6, finish or not to finish that is the question? Finishing stumps with poly really makes the piece look fantastic. Do whatever you want. I'm leaving this one unfinished going for a "more organic look" showcasing the veining on the inside. But both sides look really good.

stage 6 the finished product

This project was nothing more than a project gone bad with the addition of some scrap metal. As the saying goes "art doesn't have to match the couch."