How to Build a Tree Stump Cache

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How to Build a Tree Stump Cache

• Original Idea by Cedar Bend Gang

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Necessary Tools

• Caulking gun
• Scoring Knife
• Electric Knife
• Power Saw (Jigsaw, Table Saw, etc.)

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Components

• Watertight Container
• 1 x 4 or 1 x 6 Board
• Liquid Nails
• Insulation foam
• Bondo
• Tree Bark (from the same type of tree DO NOT
  MIX!)
• Moss (can be purchased at Wal-Mart)
• Log Cross-Section
• Chunks of Rotted Wood (from an actual fallen
  logs end) (Optional)

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Step 1

• Ensure watertight container has a lid that may be
  opened without needing to grab it by the sides
  (e.g. screw top, handle or knob in lid may be
  added, etc.). Measure the length of the
  container.

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Step 1
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Step 2

• Cut the board into lengths, allowing at least 2
  longer than the container (this will ensure the
  container is off the ground to prevent moisture
  damage).
• Then cut the board sections into slats, ensuring
  the slats are random widths and tapered at random
  angles to present an organic appearance when
  emplaced.

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Step 2
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Step 3

• Score one edge (the edge to make contact with the
  container) of each slat. Using Liquid Nails,
  glue the slats onto the container so that there
  is an approximately 2 gap between the lid of the
  container and the end of the slats (this will
  become the bottom of the cache).

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Step 3
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Step 3

• Uniform appearance around the circumference is
  not desired here you are building the frame of
  the stump and an uneven surface is more natural
  in appearance. Placing the slats so that the
  bottom (extended) end is wider (hence the
  tapering) presents the appearance of a wider root
  structure on the stump.

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Step 3
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Step 3
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Step 3

• Also glue the log cross-section onto the bottom
  of the container (the top of the cache) using
  Liquid Nails.

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Step 3
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Step 4

• Once this is set (follow directions for
  drying/setting on the Liquid Nails allow
  overnight), use the insulation foam to fill the
  gaps and coat the entire stump (as unevenly as
  youd like remember we are going for the
  natural look) with 1 1.5 of foam and allow
  it dry/set in accordance with the directions
  (about 4 hours).

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Step 4
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Step 4
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Step 4

• Using an electric knife, carve the foam into a
  more natural shape.

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Step 4
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Step 4
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Step 5

• Apply Bondo to the entire outer surface of the
  foam, to include the bottom (hollowed, with the
  lid) edge. Allow setting in accordance with
  directions (30 minutes to 1 hour).

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Step 6

• Using Liquid Nails, arrange the bits of tree
  bark in a puzzle pattern onto the Bondo. Ensure
  the bark extends over the cross-section to
  present a natural look. Also glue any wood
  chunks to the cross-section to give the
  appearance of a naturally fallen tree (unless a
  chopped-down look is desired). Allow setting.

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Step 6
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Step 6
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Step 6
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Step 7

• Finally, using small amounts of Liquid Nails,
  glue moss in between the cracks of the bark and
  the chunks in the top to fill the gaps.

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Step 7
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Step 7
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Step 7
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Step 7
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Step 8

• When all is dried and set, gently rub the moss to
  eliminate excess. Then fill and place your cache!

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Step 8
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Step 8
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Credits

• Original Idea by Cedar Creek Gang
• PowerPoint by Brian