Help & FAQs

General Questions

Q: How does eWoodArt barrel art differ from others ?
A: Simply stated, we differentiate on beauty and quality.

We believe the great majority of our customers are looking for a centerpiece or accent piece that will be a focal point and source of pride and identity in a home or business for a very long time. Such pieces are a reflection of their good taste and values, and often become heirlooms handed down to the next generation, similar to a very special piece of fine furniture or a work of fine art.

Such a work of art or artisanship must have a strong visual appeal which we achieve thru thoughtful design working closely with our customer, and great care and skill in woodworking and finishing to bring out the hidden beauty in the medium. Such work must also have a very high degree of quality and durability which we achieve by the lengths we go to build and/or refurbish the highest quality french oak barrels so they will look as good and have the same structural integrity 100+ years down the road.

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: In order to get the highest quality carvings, we need high quality artwork to start with – ideally a vector graphics format (generally .eps , .ai, .dxf or sometimes .pdf files).  These formats are generally what a graphic artist or designer would produce and are preferred by us because they can be more directly converted into machinable artwork.  If that is not available, high resolution bitmaps (e.g. .bmp, .gif, .jpeg, .png, .tif) will work – as long as you can blow them up on your screen to the size they would be on a barrel head (about 12-18″) and not be all pixelated.  We can often find such images in a google image search or on the website of the product vendor.  So…  email us the logos you like or just the names and we’ll do what we can to ensure we use the best possible artwork.  In some cases this may require some extra work on our part to redraw all or portions of an image to make it clean, crisp and clear enough to get a high quality carving.

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).

Painting & Finishing Questions

Q: How much extra does it cost to have the carving on my barrel head or clock painted ?
A: It depends on the size & style of the carving and painting.  2D carvings (of logos and other graphic art) are generally painted with areas of solid colors with no gradients and are therefore cheaper to paint.  Prices for this option are listed in our buy pages and are generally in the range of $40 depending on the size and complexity of the design.  Our large central 3D carvings (e.g. grape clusters and other true 3D models) are painted by a very talented artist whose canvas is the carved wood, using rich gradients and shading.  This painting is a true work of art in itself, and generally costs $80.  See this page for more info:  http://ewoodart.com/central-carving-painting-options

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 some caveats.  Direct sun and moisture are hard on finely finished wood of any kind.  Keeping a beautifully finished piece of oak looking nice outdoors presents some challenges, but it can be done under some conditions.

Normally we recommend spar varnish, which was originally designed to protect woodwork on boats, for pieces that will be displayed outside.   That may be the way to go if the piece its reasonably protected, e.g. under an eave, but the finish will deteriorate over time if directly exposed to sun & moisture.  If so, the piece will eventually require refinishing, which may require sanding off the old varnish and re-finishing  …which is a lot of work.

If direct exposure can’t be avoided, a better option is to go with a high quality exterior oil.  We have been using, and highly recommend, Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil:  http://www.cabotstain.com/products/product/Australian-Timber-Oil.html   This gives a very rich and beautiful finish, without the thick top coat left by poly-urethanes & spar varnishes.  It does require periodic re-application of the oil to keep it protected, but its a simple process of wiping on more oil, letting it soak in, and wiping the excess off.

So…  depending on just how “protected” the piece is going to be, we would steer you to either the spar varnish or the exterior oil finish.  Oil is the approach we take on directly exposed outdoor barrel head signage we’ve made for some bars.

Barrel Head Questions

Q: What is the size & weight of the barrel heads ?
A: For a more detailed answer with pictures see:   http://ewoodart.com/barrel-head-configurations   Here’s the short answer:  We call our flagship (and most popular) barrel head configuration a “Tenth Barrel” because it is approximately 1/10 the length of a full size 60 gallon wine barrel.  It is a real retired ~24″ diameter “Burgandy barrel” head cut off from the barrel at the second hoop, with a ~4-5″ depth of surrounding side staves and two hoops.   (Dimensions vary somewhat from one cooerage to another.)  By special request we can often get “Bordeau barrels” which also have a capacity of 60 gallons but are of a longer and skinnier shape.  A Bordeau tenth barrel is ~22″ diameter at the front hoop and ~4″ deep.  Tenth Barrels weigh about 32 lbs.

Our “flat heads” (head completely removed from the barrel with a plywood backing added) are ~23″ in diameter for Burgandy barrels and ~21″ for Bordeau barrels.  These weigh about 12 lbs

We can now make our new “sixteenth barrels” virtually any size, since they are custom made from scratch by us from real staves and hoops, and specially made premium quarter-sawn plywood made to look exactly like a barrel head.   However, our most standard sizes are either 18″ or 21″ in diameter and about 2″ deep.  These weigh about 10 lbs.

Q: How do you recommend hanging barrel heads

A: The mounting system we highly recommend and which we supply for tenth barrels consists of 2 pairs of interlocking flush mount hangers.  One pair is installed on the plywood backing by us spaced 16″ apart.  You mount the other pair on your wall or mounting surface, so the ones on the tenth barrel slide down into and interlock with the ones on the wall.  They are spaced 16″ apart in order to maximize the opportunity to screw your pair into studs.  If that is not possible and you do not have a strong solid surface to mount to (like wood paneling), you can use molly bolts or other anchored fasteners to secure your pair in drywall.

Our Flat Heads and Sixteenth Barrels are supplied with a single loop “picture hanger” installed on the back, which you hang from a nail or screw.

Clock Questions

Q: What can I do if my clock movement isn’t working ?
A: See troubleshooting guidance, and warranty & replacement policy below:

We ship the movement and hands fully installed, properly adjusted and fully tested.  You only need to remove the packing materials, install the AA battery supplied (observing the polarity marking) and set the time by turning the time set wheel on the back.

This quartz clock movement should be accurate to within a few seconds per month and should not need to be reset until the battery needs to be replaced.  There is no adjustment to change its speed.

In the rare event that your clock does not keep time accurately, please follow the troubleshooting instructions carefully to avoid damaging the movement and hands.

We warrant clock movements for one full year after the clock is shipped.  Before contacting us for replacement, please check the following:

1.     ensure the battery is new or has been recently replaced

2.     ensure the hands are not interfering with each other as they pass (carefully bend them away from each other if they are).  You need to make this check on both sides of the dial (e.g. 12 noon and 6:30) as the hands could possibly be mounted not parallel to the clock dial

3.     if for any reason you remove and reinstall the movement (not recommended), ensure the small hex mounting nut AND the cap nut on the end of the shaft are not over tightened – they should be finger tight.  Also ensure the cap nut is not cross-threaded so that it is holding the minute hand down flat.

If this all checks out, contact us before returning anything.  We will arrange to send you a new replacement movement if still in warranty.  If it has been more than one year, you can order a new movement directly from our supplier www.Klockit.com.

The movement for our full size tenth barrels and flat heads is:  Quartex Brand – High Torque Quartz Clock Movement – 12 Hour – Long Shaft (Stock number 10115) and can be ordered here:  www.klockit.com/products/dept-157__sku-aaaag.html

The movement for our smaller sixteenth barrels is:   Quartex Brand – Q80  (Stock number 10004) and can be ordered here:  http://www.klockit.com/products/dept-157__sku-AAAVV.html

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 top has no carving, or 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 with polished edges laid flat on the carved wood surface (diameter varies but is approximately 21.5″ for a tenth barrel or 22.5″ for a flat head).  This results in a very clean look 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.  That’s not a disaster since the wood surface is well sealed, but it can be a clean-up issue.
2. A thick (1/2″), 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″, 26″ or 28″ – we’ve used them all.  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 supply and recommend using small vinyl or rubber spacers to avoid having the glass slide and getting scratched by the steel hoop.  We 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. They ship FedEx and their shipping packaging and pricing is great.

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 this carrier.

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 (Southern Oregon).

Q: Do you ship to Canada and how much does it cost ?
A: We ship our products to Canada frequently – also via UPS Ground.  It costs about the same to ship to Canada as a comparable distance in the U.S and delivery times are about the same. It takes 4-7 business days to deliver to Canadian addresses, depending on how far you are from our production facility in Southern Oregon.  Our products are made in the US. They fall under the NAFTA agreement and will not incur import duty or tariff.  They will however be subject to provincial HST/GST taxes based on the value of the item.  The customer is responsible for paying this at the time of delivery.  Some of our customers have also been charged a “customs brokerage fee” from UPS.  UPS has stated that the customer can act as their own customs broker to avoid this fee.  eWoodArt is not responsible for any other fees incurred during the customs process . We will always ship with the NAFTA  paperwork fully completed.  We recommend that you contact UPS at the time we send you the shipping confirmation and ask how you can avoid the “customs brokerage fee” by calling their international department at (800) 782-7892.

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 tenth barrel carving typically costs $250 to $500.