Articles by: magintern

Tuning Your Tools

Tuning Your Tools

The basics of getting your tools into the best condition for carving and keeping them there by Chris Pye This article was first published in issue 37 of Woodworking Illustrated. Most carving tools that you buy today come “ready-sharpened,” and it comes as a surprise to students in my courses that the […]

Outdoor Finishes and Glues

Outdoor Finishes and Glues

Use the right products to ensure your outdoor projects last by Bob Duncan This version of this article was published in issue 67 of Woodcarving Illustrated. When you carve or build something for outdoor display, you want it to last, whether it’s a sign or a garden decoration. Ordinary indoor finishes […]

by November 13, 2017 Finishing for Beginners, Get Started Carving
Sharpening a V-tool

Sharpening a V-tool

Easy steps to tune a complex tool by Mac Proffitt This article was first published in issue 54 of Woodcarving Illustrated. A V-tool is simply two chisels stuck together, and chisels are the easiest tools to sharpen. The trick to sharpening V-tools is to sharpen both chisels equally. Avoid cheap V-tools. […]

Align the Grain for Impressive Carvings

Align the Grain for Impressive Carvings

Grain direction strengthens and accents a carving by Everett Ellenwood This article was first published in issue 44 of Woodcarving Illustrated. Grain can either accent your carving or weaken it considerably, so it is important to pay attention to the grain when planning a carving. Under a microscope, the cross section […]

Simple measuring tools, such as dividers, calipers, and compasses, make it easy to keep carvings in proportion.

Using Compasses, Calipers, and Dividers

Transfer measurements and maintain proportions with these simple tools by Bob Duncan This article was first published in issue 57 of Woodcarving Illustrated. Basic measuring tools have been around for most of documented history; the Freemasons include dividers in their symbol. These simple tools help carvers create symmetry and transfer measurements […]

by November 6, 2017 Get Started Carving, Tools for Beginners
The profiles and reverse profiles of this honing board conform to the cutting angle that you use during carving and match your gouge and V-tool exactly.

Custom Honing Board

This easy-to-make shop aid is a great way to keep your gouges and V-tools in tip-top shape by Lora S. Irish This article was first published in issue 35 of Woodcarving Illustrated. With just a few minutes of work, you can create this honing board customized to sharpen your specific gouges […]

Build a Carver’s Lapboard

Build a Carver’s Lapboard

Carve in your living room with this simple shop-made board by Gary MacKay This article was first published in issue 49 of Woodcarving Illustrated. When I first started chip carving, I would place a towel on my lap to catch the chips. With chip carving, you should have your thumb, knuckle, […]

by November 1, 2017 Get Started Carving, Tools for Beginners
All About Files, Rasps, and Rifflers

All About Files, Rasps, and Rifflers

These versatile tools have a wide range of carving uses by Roger Schroeder This article was first published in issue 42 of Woodcarving Illustrated. While purists will argue that files, rasps and rifflers, not to mention sandpaper, should never touch a wood carving, don’t sell these tools short. Many projects need […]

by October 30, 2017 Get Started Carving, Tools for Beginners
Applying a Shellac Finish

Applying a Shellac Finish

Easy-to-apply finish is great for chip carvings By David Stewart This article was first published in issue 59 of Woodcarving Illustrated. All chip carvers seek a strong, clear finish that does not interfere with the reflection of light in the clean facets of their cuts. Many achieve this with spray lacquer, […]

Creating a Simple Armature

Creating a Simple Armature

Design your own carvings with the aid of armatures and clay models by Marv Kaisersatt Photography by Chipping Away Inc. This article was first published in issue 47 of Woodcarving Illustrated. Clay figures can serve as models for those choosing to carve their own creations in wood. Wire skeletons, called armatures, […]