Wood carving, which has captivated people for centuries, is considered a highly captivating form of art. Those who have a keen interest in this art form are often enthusiastic about acquiring the knowledge and techniques required for wood carving. To excel in wood carving, it is crucial to understand how to design patterns, select suitable tools, adopt the correct grip on the workpiece, and employ measurement tools effectively. Since woodworking demands patience and skill, it is essential to engage in meticulous planning before embarking on any wood carving project.
Wood carving
Wood carving consists of using sharp-edged cutting tools to shape or design a desired object. All forms of wood carving conform to this fundamental description. The tools utilized for wood carving encompass knives, chisels, gouges, and in certain instances, chainsaws might even be employed.
There is often confusion between wood carving and woodturning, as they both involve using sharp tools to remove wood. However, they are not identical. Woodturning entails using a powered machine known as a lathe to create objects, while wood carving does not involve the use of a lathe. In order to classify a project as woodturning, a lathe must be present, while wood carving does not require one.
Whittling, erroneously at times, is often confused with a distinct form of woodworking, when in reality it is a straightforward form of wood carving.
Types of wood carving
There are various carving methods available, and the choice of carving technique and tools depends on the desired outcome. The following are the different categories of wood carving:
Whittling
Whittling, the most basic form of wood carving, entails the act of shaving off thin pieces of wood using a knife with a straight blade. It is a straightforward skill to acquire and can be accomplished using any sharp knife, including a typical pocket knife.
Although it is possible to shape wood into desired forms by whittling, some individuals engage in this activity purely for leisure purposes. Whittling knives, specifically designed for carving, provide increased comfort and control, making them the optimal choice for creating visually appealing whittled items. The advantage of whittling is that it can be performed using virtually any type of wood.
Chip carving
The process entails using a chip carving knife or chisel to remove small portions from a flat wooden surface by applying downward pressure. This technique is effective for etching intricate lines or details onto a workpiece. Personally, I thoroughly enjoy carving letters and numbers into wood as a favored endeavor. Although various types of wood can be chip carved, those who are new to this craft may find basswood, knot-free pine, or poplar to yield the most favorable outcomes.
Relief carving
The process involves creating an image on a flat piece of wood, which is traditionally done by carving wooden reliefs. These reliefs are crafted in a way that gives the illusion of three-dimensionality, making the image appear to protrude from the surface of the wood.
Relief carving typically requires gouges and chisels as the primary tools, which are often used along with a mallet to forcefully insert them into the wood. Additionally, it is necessary to have clamps or a bench-top vise to firmly hold the flat wooden workpiece in place.
Flat-plane carving
Flat-plane carving is a particular style of carving figures and objects. It entails shaping wood through a series of flat, tidy facets and intentionally allowing them to remain visible, without incorporating sanding or rounding.
Flat-plane carving, the preferred technique of wood art collectors worldwide, is typically accomplished using a single carving knife. Among all carving methods, it is most effortless to perform on basswood due to its ideal combination of hardness and softness.
Chain saw carving
The process of wood carving using a chain saw involves shaping a desired object or figure from a single large upright log, or occasionally from one that is still rooted to the ground, as the name implies.
Despite being coarse and aggressive tools, chain saws have been skillfully used by carvers from around the world to create remarkably intricate works of art. It is important to refrain from attempting this style of carving unless you possess prior experience with chain saws. Additionally, it is essential to always wear hearing, face, and leg protection for your safety.
Wood carving terms and techniques
In the realm of wood carving, you are likely to encounter the following terms being discussed.
- Carving knife: Different from a whittling knife, these feature large handles and small blades, often with a gentle curve in their edge.
- Chisel: A straight-blade, beveled-edge wood carving tool.
- Gouge: A type of carving chisel with a curved-edge blade.
- Mallet: A cylindrical handled tool, often made of wood or rubber, for driving the butt-end of a chisel or gouge into wood.
- Roughing: Removal of large amounts of wood early in the process, often with a roughing gouge, to get the workpiece closer to the desired shape.
- Detail work: Generally refers to the fine, intricate work toward the end of a wood carving project. When carving a wooden duck, inscribing lines to suggest wings and feathers is detail work.
Wood carving tips for beginners
- Keep your wood carving tools sharp: Dull carving tools don’t work well. Learn to sharpen yours to a razor’s edge. Keep them sharp and your wood carving will be much more enjoyable.
- Carve away from yourself: It sounds obvious, but many beginners carve towards their hand instead of away from it. Don’t. Carve down and away from your hands and fingers for safety.
- Wear safety glasses: Though carving doesn’t involve power tools (except chain saw carving), lots of chips still fly. Protecting your eyes with goggles is always smart.
- Start simple: Don’t try to carve intricate projects at first. Start by whittling a walking stick, then go from there as your skills develop.
- Use the right wood: Regardless of the style of carving, basswood is a great material for beginner carvers. It’s smooth and fine-grained with an ideal carving density.
Basic wood carving skills
If you are not familiar with wood carving, start by examining professional works online or visiting your local library to look at old magazines displaying various wooden crafts. Wood carving beginner projects found in these resources will provide you with valuable inspiration and ideas.
You can acquire some basic techniques by reaching out to a professional. One way to do this is by contacting your favorite woodworker or woodcarver on social media. These individuals are always willing to assist community members in acquiring new skills.
Learn how properly hold a knife
Youtube can be a valuable tool for those seeking guidance on correctly holding a knife. Ensuring a comfortable grip that allows for safe and precise carving of your project is of utmost importance. It is vital to avoid applying excessive force to the knife, as this could potentially strain your wrist.
Cut across the wood grain
For better results, beginners should begin by cutting across the grain of the wood, as this provides better control over their tool.
Don’t forget your gloves or finger guards
As you acquire knowledge, you will develop your own techniques for safeguarding your hands. Initially, we suggest wearing gloves or at the very least finger guards as a safeguard against splinters and cuts.
The best wood for wood carving
The ultimate determination of the best wood for wood carving relies on the specific project at hand. Professionals in the field suggest that Basswood, Alder, and Cherry are among the top choices for wood carving. Despite its classification as a hardwood, Basswood’s softness and minimal grain make it an ideal selection for novice wood carvers.
For beginners, the most effective method to initiate wood carving is to acquire smaller blocks and pieces of wood for practicing.
Planning your wood carving pattern
To ensure your wood carving stays focused, it is crucial to have a well-designed pattern when working on any woodworking project. Blindly drawing without a plan would not be as effective as using carved pattern stencils or printed pictures of inspiring designs for reference.
Before using other tools, Sharpie marker pens are an excellent choice for creating incised designs on the surface of your wood carving. However, it is important to avoid direct contact between the marker pen and the wood carvings. If not handled with care, marker pens can leave lasting marks on your wooden artwork, so it is advisable to select a color that closely resembles the shade of your wood.
How to get started with wood carving
Wood carving can be started at any age, even for beginners. To begin with, knives are recommended as they are easier to handle than other tools such as gouges and chisels. These knives often come with blades of varying widths. Beginner wood carvers can find sets of tools that include anywhere between 12 and 24 tools. Before starting a project, it is essential to carefully plan and gather all necessary equipment and materials. The size of the knife used is important as it aids in carving finer details with greater ease. Furthermore, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of the fundamental wood carving techniques.
