Frequently Asked Questions

Design Questions

Q: Should I design my own carving or just provide input and have you do it ?
A: Either way is fine.  We encourage and empower you to design your own "wood art", but we're happy to propose a design for you.  We're also happy to suggest changes in the design you submit - particularly if you request it in your submittal.

2D Digital Artwork Questions

Q: What file format should I (or can I) submit my 2D logo or artwork in ?
A: The best choice is one of the "vector file" formats (e.g. embedded postscript (.eps files), adobe illustrator (.ai files), CAD drawing exchange format (.dxf files).  These formats are generally what a graphic artist or designer would produce and are vastly preferred by us because they can be more directly converted into machinable artwork.  If you only have a "bitmap" (aka "raster") file format of your artwork (e.g. .bmp, .gif, .jpeg, .png, .tif) there is an extra, possibly very time-consuming step to convert it into a vector file. 

Q: How do I ensure the 2D logo or artwork I supply can be carved in wood ?
A: Translating 2D artwork into machinable 3D art ranges from being very straightforward to very challenging.  See our full article on this for details.  In short, it is generally a fairly straightforward transformation for graphical images consisting of 2-dimensional shapes, lines and curves - for example most logos and text.  At the other end of the spectrum, it is a challenge to convert a photo image into a 3D relief model.  The software products that attempt to do this automatically don't provide very satisfying results (yet).  In any case, send us your artwork and we will provide guidance on any issues (or additional costs) to convert it into carvable art.  You can always engage your own graphic artist or 3D model builder to do this work.

3D Digital Artwork Questions

Q: What can be carved in 3D ?
A: 3D artwork includes surfaces that are curved in 3 dimensions - like a bust of a human head or the relief of a head on a coin.  These surfaces are captured in 3D "models" which describe all the details of the 3D shape.  Not all models are carvable "as is".  The primary restriction is that the model must not have surfaces which are vertical, or worse, that receed under a surface above.  Using the examples above, the bust of the head cannot be carved, but the relief of the head can be.  We are often able to convert a model of the former (true 3D) into a relief model (often called 2.5D).  Additionally, there are many "3D modelers" on the internet who can create or modify 3D models for you.

Q: What file format should I (or can I) submit my 3D logo or artwork in ?
A: Here's a fairly comprehensive list of the 3D file formats we support.  If your file is not one of these, you can almost certainly convert it to one of these using the tool that generated your 3D model.  STL Mesh files (.STL), VectorArt 3D files (.V3M), 3D Studio (.V3M), DirectX (.X), AutoCAD 3D DXF (.DXF), LightWave (.LWO), VRML (.WRL), Wavefront (.OBJ), MaxNC Digital Probe (.TXT), PartWorks3D models (.V3D), ShopBot Digital Probe (.SBP).

Wood Finishing Questions

Q: How do I ensure my logo colors are rendered exactly ?
A: Our philosophy, and our recommendation, is to use opaque colors sparingly in favor of showing off the natural beauty of the oak.  You are not printing brochures or business cards here.  Given this and the challenges of exactly matching colors, we provide you the option of taking delivery of an unfinished (or partially finished - i.e. seal coated) carving, which you can then take to your local artist or sign painter to ensure the results you want.  With a clear understanding from you on paint/stain/glaze colors and on price, we are happy to provide professional quality custom painting on your carving. 

Q: What quality of wood finishing can I expect ?
A: See our article on this for details.  We strive to produce the finest quality wood finishing work and use the finest materials available.  The surfaces of our barrel heads and table stands are finished like fine furniture.  HOWEVER, keep in mind that our products are made from recycled wine barrels.  Though we carefully hand-select the barrel heads, staves and hoops for minimal "distress", minor blemishes and imperfections are to be expected.  We mill out, sand out, hammer out or fill out any significant blemishes - certainly in the flat barrel head and in the staves used in our tables, but minor blemishes (such as scratches and patina on the hoops, and wine stains on the inside and sides of the staves) are part of the charm of the piece.

Q: Can I display my carving outside ?
A: Yes, with the following caveats.  Direct sun and moisture are hard on finely finished oak.  If you are going to display your carving outside, be sure you select the spar varnish topcoat.  Even then you should avoid prolonged exposure to direct sun and moisture, or be prepared to refinish every few years - unless, of course, you prefer the weathered look.

Table Questions

Q: How much assembly is required ?
A: Minimal assembly is required. The X-shaped lower assembly that sits on the floor and the upper vertical assembly are both pre-assembled.  You simply insert and tighten 4 machine screws which hold these two assemblies together, plus 4 wood screws which attach the stand to the barrel head.

Q: What are my options for the top surface of a barrel head table ?
A: Unless your carving is nearly flat, you will almost certainly want a flat, transparent, protective top of some kind in order to use your carving as a table top.  The recommended options are as follows:

1. A thin (1/4") round of window glass laid flat on the carved wood surface (diameter varies but is approximately 21.5").  This results in a very clean look, is probably safer for the glass, and you can use cheap, thin window glass.  However, for the tenth barrel head configuration, if someone spills a drink on the table, the liquid may run down under the glass into the carving.  Thats not a disaster since the wood surface is well sealed, but it can be a clean-up issue.
2. A thick (3/8" or more), 24" or more dia. glass round laid flat on a flat head carving, or across the rim of the end hoop of a tenth barrel carving.  The diameter of the barrel head end is approximately 23 inches.  You can have any diameter glass round custom cut, but the most affordable way to go is with standard sizes - e.g. 24" or 28" - we've used both.  The 24" round sits on top of the tenth barrel head end hoop and overlaps about 1/2" all the way around, while the 28" overlaps about 2-1/2".  Putting the glass on is simply a matter of setting it on the top, tho we do recommend using small vinyl or rubber spacers to avoid having the glass slide and getting scratched by the steel hoop.  We normally include these for tenth barrels ordered as table tops.
3. A tempered or laminated 24" or more dia. "safety glass" round laid across the rim.  This is probably the safest way to go, especially in commercial environments, but is the most expensive.

At this time, we do not supply glass tops.  Virtually any local glass supplier can provide you with any of these options.  The best online glass top supplier we've found in terms of both selection and price is:  http://www.glasstopsdirect.com/glasstops.php

Shipping Questions

Q: How are your shipping and handling costs determined ?
A: We ship our products via UPS Ground - unless special arrangements are made with you.  The shipping prices you see on our site when you check out come straight from UPS and are based on the shipping size, weight and zip code.  You are charged only our costs from these carriers.

Q: Can I pick up the product myself ?
A: Call or email us to make special arrangements.  We can provide free delivery for customers in our local area (Santa Barbara County, California).

Lead Time Questions

Q: How long will it take before I receive my order ?
A: Here are the typical lead times you can usually count on from us:
Time to turnaround photo-realistic proof for your approval:  3 business days
Time to produce your carving after your final acceptance:    2 weeks
Time to ship product to your door:                           4-7 days
The main thing that can cause a delay is customer supplied artwork that needs significant design work or re-work.  We provide our best schedule estimate when we deliver the proof for your approval, or our quote if major design work is required.

Pricing Questions

Q: How do you determine the prices of a carving ?
A: See our pricing page for details.  In short, we start with a base price for a piece of standard complexity, and then add incremental charges for more complex design elements and options.  We strive to keep our prices extremely reasonable and affordable.  A completely finished barrel head carving typically costs $300 to $400.