Wood carving encompasses a wide variety of methods that result in a diverse range of products, such as practical household tools, intricate and elaborate decorations, valuable collectibles, or furniture. Certain forms involve working on a single surface or panel of wood, while others require the carver to sculpt from all angles of the material. Each type possesses unique characteristics and emphasizes specific types of cuts or techniques.
This article specifically concentrates on the hand wood carving tools and techniques, which are the only essential tools for woodworkers to be able to carve, detail, sand, and polish wood into beautiful pieces.
1. Whittling
Whittling is often equated by people with hand wood carving, and some carvers acquire fundamental carving skills through whittling.
What is meant by a whittling knife? For certain individuals, a regular pocket knife or Swiss army knife is sufficient for carving wood. On the other hand, some whittlers prefer using specialized wood carving knives with shorter blades and larger handles to effectively shape intricate curves and fine details in their creations. Additionally, it should be mentioned that certain devout whittlers consider a “genuine” whittling knife to possess three blades and two back springs.
Whittlers frequently engage in carving small figures or keepsakes, some of which have minimal details and an unfinished appearance. Conversely, others meticulously incorporate fine details into their projects before proceeding to sand and finalize their work.
2. Treen carving
Treen carving focuses on the creation of practical, everyday objects made by carving a single piece of wood. Among the commonly carved items are kitchen utensils such as spoons, bowls, and goblets. Additionally, treen carvers produce pieces like baskets, needle cases, and pipes. The majority of treen pieces are made using a hand lathe, and occasionally, green wood is utilized.
If you wish to begin tree carving, all you require are a simple collection of wood carving tools and a method to sharpen them. The skill is fairly effortless to acquire and provides a final product that is appealing, functional, and enduring.
3. Chip carving
This style of carving, also referred to as spoon carving, differs greatly from traditional whittling. The technique involves using a tool called a Hook Knife, which is commonly known as a spoon carving knife. If you are unfamiliar with how to use a hook knife, we recommend reading our comprehensive guide on How To Use a Spoon Carving Knife, as it will provide you with a clearer comprehension of the tool.
The process of chip carving involves removing small parts of wood, known as “chipping,” in order to create a design. This technique can be applied to basswood or existing wooden items like toolboxes. When chip carving, a knife is used to make even cuts on both sides of the wood at a 45° angle, which meet in the center. The removed wood reveals the desired design.
Chipping knives, unlike the usual pocket-styled knife that woodcarvers may use, have their blade at a downsloping angle from the handle, allowing more control and easier entry through the wood. This makes the primary knife used in chip carving different.
The style of chip carving requires the use of specific tools, including the stab knife and chisels. The stab knife is only used occasionally, mainly for incorporating intricate details into the design. Unlike chipping the wood, the stab knife method cuts the wood in a manner that is visible without removing any part of it.
4. Relief carving
Relief carving, considered a dramatic form of wood carving, involves the challenging yet artistic task of sculpting a three-dimensional effect by removing portions of a flat wooden panel. The primary tools employed in relief carving are chisels, gouges, and a mallet, with carving knives rarely employed in this style.
When done manually, relief carvings require the longest amount of time to be completed, with certain pieces taking several years from beginning to end. While some computer numerical control (CNC) routers can execute relief carvings at a quicker pace, they are gradually rivaling real woodcarvers. Nevertheless, it can be confidently stated that, currently, no machine is capable of producing finer intricacies than an experienced professional.
The process of creating relief typically involves the steps outlined below:
- Draw a pattern on carbon or transfer paper.
- Trace the pattern onto a flat panel of wood.
- Carve out the excess material from around the basic pattern.
- Model the objects that are the focus of the pattern (i.e., chisel and gouge them at the desired depth).
- Add the necessary details to the objects.
- Tidy up around the edges of the objects.
- Apply a suitable finish to the wood panel.
The duration of each step can vary anywhere from one hour to several months, depending on the size and intricacy of the design.
5. Chainsaw carving
First and foremost, it is crucial to note that chainsaw carving should not be attempted unless you are a skilled professional, due to its high level of danger. With that being said, let us now delve into the explanation of what chainsaw carving essentially entails.
This recently emerged style of carving has rapidly gained popularity due to its peculiar and attention-grabbing nature. In the UK, the yearly chainsaw carving competition attracts thousands of spectators who gather to witness exceptional performances by the most skilled artisans.
You likely already guessed that chainsaw carving refers to the act of using a chainsaw to carve large projects. Similar to traditional wood carving, chainsaw carving involves the use of various chainsaws for different sections of the project.
Safety is the key aspect of chainsaw carving. It is mandatory for all chainsaw carvers to wear the protective equipment mentioned below.
- Good helmet
- Faceguard
- Sound and ear protection
- Kevlar Pants
- Goggles (even with the faceguard)
- Steel toe boots
- Protective leather gloves
Chainsaw carvers primarily opt for raw timber in their projects, with pine being a preferred wood due to its abundance, ideal dimensions, and desirable density.
6. Flat-plane carving
When it comes to individuals who enjoy sculpting figurines, flat-plane carving, also known as Scandanavian flat-plane carving, is highly suitable. Typically, flat-plane figurines depict caricatures of animals or people. These figurines are crafted by carving them in large, flat surfaces and are generally maintained with a rough texture. The marks left by the tools are visible, and the edges are neither rounded nor smoothed.
As per the process of step-by-step thinking, the usual practice is to paint finished pieces with realistic colors and utilize them as decorative objects within a household.
Woodworkers on a budget are attracted to flat-plane carving due to the fact that the primary tool used by carvers in this technique is a carving knife. As a result, beginner carvers who become proficient at using a knife can produce appealing wooden caricatures.
7. Wood burning
Wood burning is not a widely practiced method of wood carving, though artists who employ this technique manage to create highly lifelike representations of their projects.
Wood burning is not always taught by teachers, so some exceptional projects that could benefit from wood burning are often left with a basic finish. Wood burning is not a distinct style of wood carving, but rather a technique that adds a more lifelike and impressive appearance when combined with another style.
Adding a layer to wood carvings is a common practice, especially when the subject is an animal, as it enhances the authenticity of their form by mimicking their natural fur. The tools employed for this technique, known as woodburning, can heat up to approximately 1000° Fahrenheit. This temperature is ideal for creating distinct marks without damaging the entire wooden piece, targeting only the intended area.
A few guidelines for all wood carvers:
You need to observe a few guidelines regardless of the type of carving you choose.
Ensure the protection of your hands by carefully following each step.
In order for your wood carving tools to be effective, they must be extremely sharp. Even if the tools are sharp, you will still have to apply a significant amount of force while carving. Accidentally slipping with the knife could cause severe harm to your hand. To reduce the chances of injuring yourself, it is important to follow safe carving practices and use carving gloves if necessary.
To safeguard your eyes, think in a sequential manner.
Safety glasses are necessary when engaging in any type of carving, as the removal of pieces of wood is essential. By wearing these glasses, one can effectively safeguard their eyes from airborne wood chips or slivers, ensuring optimal protection.
Ensure that you keep your tools in sharp condition by thinking in a systematic manner.
It is logical that sharp tools facilitate easier cutting and produce cleaner, tidier cuts. Despite appearing contrary to what one may expect, sharp tools are also safer for utilization. The usage of blunt wood carving tools results in a higher number of accidents.
Select a project that is within your capabilities and not excessively challenging.
If you choose a carving project that is too advanced for your carving skill, it is likely to lead to discouragement. In many cases, the project remains incomplete. Occasionally, a carver who is discouraged may quit carving altogether. It is advisable to select a project, such as treen carving, chip carving, or another type we have discussed, that you can feasibly complete.
Which type of wood carving is best for you
The answer will vary based on your interests, the amount of time you can commit to carving, and your budget for wood carving tools and accessories. Take a look at our summaries.
- Which carving types appeal to you right away?
- What aspects do you find particularly attractive?
- Does your personality tend toward practical or decorative?
Your responses to these questions will help you narrow down certain types of options and discard others.
By combining these considerations with your budget and time constraints, you will be guided towards the most suitable type of wood carving for you, at least currently in your life. It is possible to expand and explore other options in the future, regardless of where you begin.
