Man Uses An Angle Grinder And Chainsaw To Transform Logs And Rocks Into A Gorgeous Bench

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If you have ever had a large tree fall in your yard, you probably already know that getting rid of it and its branches is a headache. The same goes for rocks that are just sitting there on your property, getting in the way of everything. Pay someone to throw them out? Sure, you can do that, but what if you could turn these unwanted materials into something useful instead? Well, with the right tools and a bit of effort, you certainly can, and in fact, that is exactly what a DIY creator @Ben Uyeda did in one of his TikTok DIY tutorials. He used a chainsaw and an angle grinder to turn a log and two rocks into a gorgeous bench.

The best part? He got both materials for free. The tree log came from a fallen mulberry tree in his yard, whereas the rock was uncovered by erosion after some heavy rain on his property. Uyeda then used these to make a gorgeous bench that looks like two wooden mushrooms growing out of a rock.

Just keep in mind that if you want to take on this DIY project, you will need quite a few tools and supplies. For instance, besides a sturdy rock and a hardwood log, you will also need steel rods, steel pipes, and anchoring epoxy. Similarly, you will also need power tools like a chainsaw, an angle grinder, a drill, and an orbital sander. And if you do not have these and want to purchase them, make sure you research a reliable power tool brand.

Uyeda starts making the bench by cutting the log into two pieces and giving them a natural, flowing look with his chainsaw. You, however, can opt for a different design depending on the wood pieces and rock you are using, as well as whether it is going to be a DIY garden bench or a DIY porch bench. Just make sure that you do not forget to use an angle grinder to smooth out the rough edges after carving the pieces, and to check the rock or wood for cracks or weak points.

In his TikTok video, Uyeda also tries different arrangements before he decides how to put wood pieces and logs together. The idea is to find the most stable position, and here the TikToker ran into a problem, as the rock he used did not have a stable base, which he fixed by cutting it with an angle grinder. This obviously took a while. Now, if you want to save that time, pick a rock that has a flat base to begin with.

Nevertheless, once the rock and wood pieces are ready, it is time to attach them. Uyeda drilled holes into the wood and rock, inserted steel rods and pipes, and secured them with epoxy. The pipes act as sleeves for the rods, connecting the wood to the rock. Then, to finish, all that is left to do is sand the wooden seats and apply a finish. At all steps, however, it is a must to pay attention to weight distribution. Otherwise, the whole thing might keep tipping.

When choosing a piece of wood to make your DIY rock-wood bench, make sure that you use a dry piece of wood. Uyeda did not mention the moisture content of the piece of log he used in his TikTok video, but considering it is important, as the wood can warp, shrink, and crack as it dries. So, if you have already attached it to a rock using steel rods, these changes can cause problems later on. You can easily check the moisture content of the wood using a tool like the TOPTES wood moisture meter. If it is too wet, let it dry or use dry wood instead.

It is also important to note that Uyeda applies a white finish to his bench from the company Rubio Monocoat. Now, while he does not give away the exact name of the product he used, the brand's popular Oil Plus 2C is sold for interior wood. So, before choosing a finish for your own bench, consider where you want to place it and if you intend to keep it outdoors, make sure to use an appropriate formulation. An indoor wood finish will not hold up well to prolonged exposure to outdoor elements, causing it to fade, dull, or deteriorate over time.

Lastly, do not overlook the use of the right power tool accessories. In the video, for instance, Uyeda uses his angle grinder for several different jobs, including cutting stone, shaping wood, and cutting steel. However, you need to change the disk on your angle grinder for each material, as what works well on wood will not work properly on steel.