Best Value Carving Wood Figures

Dozens of color photos show both finished pieces & works in progress. Bevel down for new users; it keeps the chisel from digging too deeply. There are some techniques that you can use bevel up, but you have to watch how deeply it wants to dig into the wood. Complete the larger details and foreground details first, then progress to the small details and background. Ideally, you should hold the wood piece in place by clamping onto the table or inside a vise. Doing so will free both hands, making it easier to work.Never keep the wood in your lap as you carve it.

Sharpening is a science in itself, not difficult to learn, although it does take time and patience. We will go over the process briefly, so as not to confuse the reader with too much detail. If you know an experienced http://allaccesssoflo.com/flexcut-5-draw-knife/ tool sharpener, watching him at work is a good way to learn the method. Most of the time when a tool doesn’t cut properly, it isn’t because of the tool itself but because of improper sharpening.

Carving Techniques And Project

The bevel, or that part of the blade from which the metal has been ground away, is important to good carving. Wider bevels on the sides of the blade will make it cut more smoothly. Ideally, this bevel will show on the entire side of the blade. This wide bevel is accomplished by laying the blade flat on the stone when sharpening. When you feel you have honed your blade very well, you may use the strop (Fig. 1b).

Wood Carving Process

You can go slow if doing so makes you feel more comfortable, but it can take a long time to obtain even a basic shape if you’re too shy with your tools. For larger pieces, you may need to use a band saw or chain saw. Basswood, butternut, and white pine are among the best woods to use, especially for beginners. These are soft woods, which makes them easy to carve, but basswood has a fine grain, butternut has a coarse grain, and white pine has a medium grain.

Ian has taught many of his students to successfully complete this carving. His DVD is a simple but excellent introduction to carving a portrait head, with expert guidance at every stage. After completing this head, the viewer will have the confidence to go on to carve a portrait of a friend, a family member or perhaps even a self portrait.