Custom Chainsaw Carving-Your Tree

Yes, A.J. does do custom work, at your home, on your own tree. You must have your tree ready to be carved. In other words, if you want a 12 foot bear standing on his hands ( yes, he has done this), you must have the tree topped to your desired height and solid scaffolding built on the site to allow A.J. access to the highest area to be carved. A.J. has limited scaffolding for up to 8 foot sculptures available. If the ground is uneven, it must be cribbed to a level plane and made sound. As A.J. carves, you are advised to wear earplugs or other hearing protection. You are welcome to video tape A.J. carving, as many T.V. stations, newspapers and other Happy customers around the country have done. When he is finished carving A.J. always signs and dates his work.

What Items Does A.J. Lutter Carve?

Some examples of his sculptures are: alligators, bears (in just about any pose you can think of), beavers, captain at the wheel, cowboy boots, cowboys singing, coyotes, eagles perched and in flight, fish, golfer, horses, indian chief, indian princess, gnome, mermaid, old world santa, owl, pelican, pig, plaques, sign with your name, sculptures, squirrel, swan, totem pole, turtle, wall hangers, and wizard, just to name a few. What if you don't have a tree for A.J. to carve, but would still like a carving?

Custom Chainsaw Carving-His Logs

Yes, A.J. does carve items from the above list and are available on a limited basis, as his assortment of wood allows. Sorry, no small items will be carved. Four foot on up is the range of these custom carvings. Smaller sculptures are available at the Brainerd location. A.J. doesn't have a "Favorite" wood, but likes the ease of softer woods, better than the hardwoods. Most Brainerd wood Sculptures are White Pine, however some Walnut, Oak, Sycamore and Redwood will be found on occasion. A.J. has carved about every native type of wood found in the United States.

A.J. Lutter's Pricing

A.J.'s prices vary on custom work. He can make a quote better in person, over the phone, or by email, after asking you a few questions. Email is answered as time permits, around already scheduled appointments and fairs. Custom carving rates generally range from $150 and up per foot of log. Items that may raise those rates are: hard to get to location of log, large diameter logs, type of wood, or the amount of detail in carving.

Custom Carvings on your own trees, as explained above, will have to be scheduled around A.J.'s already scheduled commitments. Please use the link below for any custom orders by giving us a detailed description, including: item to be carved, type and size of tree, your name, address, phone number, etc. Please be patient, A.J. is a very busy guy! He will call you back, as his time permits.

Finishes For Your Carving

A.J. uses a Marine Quality Spar Varnish to finish his pieces that will be used outside. He sends a "Care Sheet" along with all sales. A.J. usually allows his carvings to air dry for a period, then finishes them to the customer's specs. When using Pine, A.J. prefers to burn & seal the wood, sand and highlight select areas, then finish with the Marine Spar Varnish. If carvings are for indoor use you can use any poly-type urethane. All woods will dry and some will crack more than others. A.J. adds stress cuts in the back of some pieces, so they relieve internal pressures there instead of the front where it may affect the overall appearance. A well cared for carving may last for 100+ years. Outdoor pieces may require a fresh coat of Spar Varnish every couple years, depending on your specific area and the carving's exposure to the elements. We have seen well cared for carvings that have been outside for 8-10 years that look freshly carved.