Wood carvers use wood to create artwork. Whether they engage in simple whittling or undertake complex projects with intricate designs, their work never fails to leave a strong impression on onlookers. Mastering the art of wood carving demands commitment, patience, and a meticulous eye for detail. For some individuals, it serves as the foundation of their artistic journey, whereas others have been honing their skills in this craft for many years.
You can start making impressive masterpieces that will amaze your friends and family by using basic woodcarving tools and following lessons from books and online tutorials.
What are the basic wood carving tools
When it comes to wood carving projects, they often demand more attention to detail and a more delicate touch in comparison to typical DIY woodworking or carpentry projects. The selection of appropriate tools for the task at hand will vary depending on the desired outcome, but beginners should have a basic understanding before making any purchases.
If you are new to wood carving, it is crucial to select the correct wood material and tools. Choosing the appropriate type and set will enable you to have utmost control while crafting intricate designs or simple shapes with smooth finishes, such as bowls. To aid you in embarking on this fulfilling craft, we have compiled a helpful guide.
1. Carving knives
Carving knives are available in various sizes and shapes, with each size designed for a specific type of cutting. The shape determines the level of detail achievable while ensuring precision in wood carving. Additionally, the characteristics of the blade, such as being straight or curved and having a short or long edge, also influence its role in carving.
Knowing the type of wood you intend to use for your project is crucial, as it will dictate the amount of force and pressure needed for carving. When cutting hard materials, it can be more challenging compared to soft ones due to the reduced resistance they offer, making them easier to cut. However, regardless of the wood type, it is always advisable to keep your knives sharp for optimal results.
The best way to begin wood carving is by starting with whittling projects using only a set of carving knives. Although these projects may have a coarser finish and less intricate details, they serve as a valuable tool for skill development prior to exploring more advanced techniques in the future.
2. Chisels
Chisels are tools that are capable of shaping wood and possess versatility. They are available in various shapes and sizes, each serving its own specific purpose. Certain types of chisels are designed for cutting through wood, while others can effectively drive nails into boards or dismantle stone without difficulty. When utilizing a wood carving chisel, it can be struck with a mallet in order to penetrate the wood.
There is a wide variety of chisels available for selection, including beveled edge bench tools and mortise cutters that are suitable for bigger projects like furniture or cabinets. On the other hand, paring knives are only used to shave when necessary.
3. Gouges
Gouges possess a handle resembling that of a chisel and employ a comparable carving motion, but their tip is rounded. When pushed or struck with a wood carving mallet, gouges effectively remove wood by “scooping” it out.
Gouges have the ability to hollow out small or large sections of wood and create curves. They offer a fast wood removal technique. The shape of the gouge is commonly known as the “sweep.” Repeatedly stabbing a gouge side by side will eventually form a circle.
There are two types of gouges, a long-bent gouge and a short-bent gouge, that both have an upward curve at the end.
Relief carving involves the use of these tools, which are specifically designed for carving figures into wood in a way that does not extend significantly beyond the flat surface. The surface of, for instance, a door adorned with a finely crafted carved artwork would remain relatively flat, even when created using long-bent and short-bent tools.
A fishtail gouge or fishtail chisel has a wide blade at its end compared to its shaft, and it features a flat, beveled edge. Despite the compromised strength in the shaft, this tool has the advantage of accessing narrow and inaccessible areas.
4. Veiner or V-tool
A veiner, also known as a U-Gouge, has longer sides compared to a gouge and shares a similar overall shape. When inserted into wood, it creates a U-shaped incision due to its one millimeter-wide blade on each side. Its ability to generate fine lines and intricate cuts makes it an ideal tool for working on delicate endeavors, such as emphasizing the legs of furniture.
The V-tool is a small tool that is known for its attention to detail. It has a curved edge that slopes downward, unlike a U-shaped tool. This tool is suitable for carving specific types of wood such as oak or maple. It enables the user to take fewer bites with the blade while maintaining a satisfactory grip.
5. Wood carving mallet
A wood carving mallet is also a necessary tool for beginners. It is used to strike the ends of chisels, gouges, veiners, and other similar tools. Having a mallet allows for making deeper cuts or cutting through wood that is too hard to be easily manipulated by simply pushing or pulling the carving tool.
When carving wood, it is important to consider that the density can vary. This can lead to the tool going out of control if you carve from a dense section to a softer one using hand pressure. However, using a mallet ensures that each strike will move the cutting edge a predictable amount. Look for a mallet that provides shock absorption and allows you to exert the necessary pressure without being too forceful and hard to manage.
6. Bench knives
Bench knives and carving knives differ in both their looks and uses. They feature a significantly larger handle for grasping and a blade that is shorter than one inch. Imagine a sturdy scalpel with a thick handle. It is important to note that this knife is distinct from its cooking counterpart, apparent in its purpose.
By using a bench knife, you can achieve a safer and more precise approach to the wood, enabling you to carve smaller portions and intricate details with increased accuracy. Additionally, you can employ the bench knife to delve into the wood and extract larger chunks during meticulous craftsmanship.
7. Raps and rifflers
Once you have become proficient in using the aforementioned tools, it is highly likely that you will possess considerable expertise in intricate tasks. This implies that you are prepared to refine the uneven areas in the tiny gaps. To accomplish this, you will utilize either a rasp or a riffler.
Typically, rasps resemble files with rougher teeth and come in both flat and half-round shapes. On the other hand, rifflers are usually held in the middle and have two ends with different tips. These tips contain various grooves that allow for the smoothing of imperfections in small, difficult-to-access areas.
8. Leather strop kit
Using the sharpest blades is the safest option as they necessitate less force and pressure for movement and control. Dull knives and other wood carving tools, on the other hand, will demand more strength and exhibit unpredictable movements when used.
If you want to ensure the safety, performance, and appearance of your tools, it is recommended to acquire whetstones or a strop/leather strip combo. Additionally, do not forget to regularly hone your blades.
9. Safety gears and equipment
When engaged in wood carving, the artist’s hand performs a rhythmic dance with a sharp blade, occasionally resulting in chips that may fly through the air. To prevent harm, it is essential to wear safety goggles at all times to shield your eyes from potential injuries caused by stray shavings and chips. Additionally, wearing some form of glove or finger protection can also be beneficial.
To ensure safety while using tools, it is crucial to adhere to certain practices. It is advised to always keep both hands a safe distance away from sharp edges and avoid placing any body parts in front of them. By doing so, one can smoothly handle the tool while prioritizing personal safety.
Side notes
When starting wood carving, beginners should prioritize purchasing ergonomic and user-friendly tools.
In addition to increasing convenience, they enable faster learning from errors made during practice sessions with hard materials like oak or walnut. However, if you are still new to this craft, using the more advanced sets may pose some challenges despite their improved features.
