Wood carving is a pastime that helps us feel connected to our primitive ancestors. By engaging in this activity, we can escape from the problems and challenges of the present and transport ourselves to a more uncomplicated era while expressing our creativity. Regardless of one’s level of proficiency, anyone can utilize a knife to sculpt a log or piece of wood into a beautiful and practical creation.
Not only does it involve the final outcome, but observing the forms or designs slowly appearing from the wood is also an excellent method of reducing stress, making it beneficial for your well-being.
As you continue to practice, your ability to carve wood improves. However, mastering this skill requires more than simply persistently working on achieving your desired outcome. Various techniques and approaches exist, each requiring specific wood carving tools and abilities.
To gain more knowledge about the various categories of wood carving, let’s begin! Therefore, what are the specific types of wood carving and which tools are used to achieve the desired outcomes?
1. Relief carving
Relief carving, which is as popular today as it was with ancient Greeks and Romans, is documented as one of the earliest wood carving methods.
To achieve a three-dimensional appearance of objects against a level background, shapes are intricately carved into a flat wooden panel. Various chisels or gouges are employed in the removal of wood in order to create a sense of depth.
Before adding fine detail, a mallet and chisel are commonly utilized to eliminate significant quantities of wood. When making curved cuts, gouges are excellent, whereas chisels and mallets allow for deeper cuts in hardwoods.
The use of undercutting is perfect for creating eye-catching 3D illusions. With smaller tools, intricate details can be meticulously crafted, leading to remarkably astonishing results. To aid in this process, some wood carvers opt for the use of tape or specialized paper to outline their design. While not mandatory, beginners may find this technique beneficial.
The panel appears to make its details project towards the viewer, and even a slight change in height, specifically a rise of just three-quarters of an inch, is sufficient to achieve this effect. Nonetheless, carving can be done in either low relief or high relief. The more profound the cuts, the more intricate the details become and the stronger the impact.
Both softwood and hardwood are utilized in relief carving, and while each carver has their own individual preference, they both have their personal favorite.
Main tools
- V or U-shaped gouge
- Spoon gouge
- Fishtail gouge
- Chisels
- Mallet
Best woods for relief carving
- Lime (also known as Basswood or Linden)
- Black Cherry
- Black Walnut
- White Oak (or Stave Oak)
- English Oak
2. Chip carving
Chip carving, comparable to relief carving, utilizes flat panels that maintain identical dimensions and is a highly efficient technique for producing impressive decorative objects. The chip carving method is particularly suitable for symmetrical geometric patterns and finds frequent use in adorning simple items like coasters, keepsake boxes, or wooden cabinets.
When chip carving, the majority of experts utilize a cutting knife to eliminate surplus wood, and a stab knife for the removal of wood chips. This technique harnesses the power of light and shadow to enhance the attractive patterns and intricate details.
The stab knife, which is a type of carving knife, typically has a short blade and lacks a bevel. As a result, the user has greater control over the blade. However, it is crucial to hold the knife properly to prevent any harm. When chip carving, it is important to adjust your hand position based on the cut you are executing, while ensuring that the blade maintains a 65° angle to the wood surface.
Main tools
- Stab knife
- Cutting knife
- Sharpening stone or strop
Best woods for chip carving
- Lime/Basswood (although some experts disagree because it is a very soft wood! However, it’s ideal for beginners)
- Cherry
- Black walnut
- Sugar maple
3. Treen carving
Despite being unfamiliar to many, the word ‘treen’ in Old English means ‘of a tree.’
Mostly referring to small practical household objects rather than decorative art, the term is occasionally used to describe old wooden items.
These objects, which are mostly from medieval times until the late 18th century, predate pewter and ceramic tableware. Due to their limited durability compared to other materials, wooden items are rare today and are highly desired.
In recent decades, there has been a renewed interest in treen carving, with enthusiasts attempting to create various exquisite items, especially kitchen utensils and practical objects.
4. Spoon carving
Due to its popularity and categorization as treen carving, the hobby of spoon carving has been assigned its own sub-heading. In technical terms, it can also be considered a type of whittling. However, it is important to note that whittling typically involves the use of knives rather than gouges (as explained further below).
It is best to use wood that has a fine grain and few open pores.
Main tools
- Straight knife
- Hook knife or gouges
- Axe (optional, for removing waste wood quickly)
Best woods for treen carving
- Boxwood
- Beech
- Sycamore
- Willow
- Cherry
- Olive wood
- Birch
- Poplar
- Maple
Although pine is suitable for beginners to practice on, it may not be the optimal choice of wood for the task at hand. Premium wooden spoons are frequently crafted from olive wood, beech, or maple.
5. Whittling
Whittling, which is considered a hobby rather than a professional carving job, represents the fundamental form of wood carving. This is why it is well-suited for individuals who are beginners in this craft.
Wood carving is generally considered an excellent method for relieving stress, although it is not as easy as it appears. Interestingly, one of the most incredible ways to confront anxiety is through whittling. Softwood materials like pine, basswood, and balsa wood are commonly used in this form of carving.
The carver has a tendency to make small wooden objects by using small pieces of wood. This method necessitates the use of basic tools such as knives. In certain wood carving designs, it may be necessary to employ various types of blades, which ultimately contribute to achieving superior outcomes.
Ensure your knives are always kept sharp as blunt tools may become lodged in the wood, posing a risk of finger injuries. For additional guidance, consider reading the article titled “How to sharpen wood carving tools.”
6. Pyrography
Pyrography involves using a heated tool on a wooden surface to produce burn marks, resulting in a preconceived image. The heated object produces different shades and tones, adding intricate delicacy to the artwork.
Hence, the primary tool for this purpose is the wood-burning pen, also known as the headed object, which can produce various effects depending on its different tips, temperature, or application method. Additionally, it is necessary for the artist to keep a wet towel nearby in order to protect their hands from burns.
Pyrography, a wood carving technique that originated in the 17th century and reached its height in the 19th century, is best suited for hardwoods such as basswood, beech, sycamore, and birch. When working with this method, be sure to keep the pen tips away from your skin and refrain from burning plastics to ensure safety precautions.
7. Chainsaw carving
The process of chainsaw carving involves blending traditional woodcarving techniques with modern chainsaw technology to produce rapidly evolving art forms. Numerous artists utilize this method to craft remarkable artwork that can captivate a wide audience, extending beyond just those who appreciate art. Primarily, chainsaw carving is employed to fabricate various figures.
To begin this method, what you will need are a chainsaw, special blades, and power supply for wood carving. Additionally, a grinder may be required to refine your design and enhance its smoothness.
To ensure safety during chainsaw carving, it is essential to take several precautionary measures. These include constantly wearing safety goggles while operating the chainsaw, remembering to use high-quality earplugs and gloves, and, not least, ensuring the use of safety boots to shield the feet against sharp objects.
8. Flat-plane carving
This unique style, also known as Scandinavian flat-plane carving, imparts a distinctive appearance to each piece. Despite its name, which may imply a resemblance to relief carving, this technique focuses on crafting small effigies (typically of humans, wizards, gnomes, etc.) rather than embellished wood panels.
This method is not widely known in the UK, but it is likely that many carving enthusiasts have been using it without realizing it for years.
In a way, it can be seen as a variation of whittling since it employs similar techniques, but with fewer and simpler cuts, taking a more minimalist approach. Typically, there is no rounding or sanding involved, and the carvings proudly showcase each individual cut. The primary objective is to create larger, flat cuts that carry significance. As a result, this meticulous approach yields a flawlessly crafted item with numerous dimensions, providing it with a captivating charm.
Additionally, the figures are often brought to life by many carvers through the use of watercolors or diluted acrylic paints.
Main tools
- Straight-edge fixed-blade knife (most purists will leave it at this!)
- Protective glove/thumb guard
- Gouges
- Scroll saw/band saw
Best woods for flat-plane carving
- Pine
- Fruit woods
