Protecting my Wooden Dummy

[Nat from UK]

About to erect my first Wooden Dummy, it has to go outside due to space indoors being tight. I was wondering whether or not it should be varnished/protected in any way, i am spending a lot of money on this and want it to last a long time, but i have been advised that you should not put any treatment on the arms?

What are your experiences/recommendations ??

Thanks

Nat from UK

[Sai Lo Jai]

You can treat the arms and leg if you desire. But, if you practice a lot, the coating will wear off rapidly and require reapplication. I suggest treating it with something you wouldn't mind contacting with your skin.

If you want to leave the arms and leg bare, just bring those pieces inside when you are done. Otherwise, standard woodworking rules apply:

Paint and seal everything. Repaint every 2-4 years.

Use pressure treated wood where contact is made with the ground.

Keep the whole thing out of direct sunlight.

Consider using a much more expensive wood which is more resistant to the elements such as Redwood or some types of teakwood.

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[IronFist]

Yeah, bring the arms and leg inside when you're not using it.

Also you could leave the trunk covered with a tarp or something.

Hell, you could build like a little shelter for it or something, dunno :) Like a wooden dummy fort. haha.

Iron

[Gluteus Maximus]

Hi Nat,

What about linseed oil? Also, maybe you could erect a roof over it or cover it with a tarpaulin when not in use.

Max

To know the unseen, you must first learn to see.

[chongnoi]

for weather resistance: use either Teak with a light oil finish (teak is the best as this wood is an oil based harwood that is uneffected by the elements-that is why it is used for expensive yachts worldwide) the other hardwood that is good against outside elements is White Oak (not red oak) this is what they used to make shipping barrels for across the ocean travel in. If not using Teak, I would for the body I would give about 5 coats of finish. Make sure the wood is kiln dried first!