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Basic Relief Techniques

Basic Relief Techniques

Learn the fundamentals of carving in low relief by Chris Pye This article was first published in issue 43 of Woodcarving Illustrated. This design gives you the opportunity to practice low-relief carving. The technique is the same whether you are carving kanji characters, traditional letters, or pictorial designs. These kanji characters […]

Sharpening a Gouge

Sharpening a Gouge

Simple techniques produce a sharp cutting edge by Mac Proffitt This article was first published in issue 53 of Woodcarving Illustrated. It is possible to sharpen gouges with a flat stone, but I prefer to use a conical slip stone or gouge stone. Regardless of the stone you use, the goal […]

Undercutting around the beard adds shadow and depth.

Undercutting

Simple cuts add depth and shadows by Lora S. Irish This article was first published in issue 39 of Woodcarving Illustrated. A high relief carving depends on shadows and the illusion of depth. Undercutting helps you achieve this and has the added benefit of tucking the joint line underneath an element, which allows […]

Adding Subtle Color

Adding Subtle Color

Roughing and dry-brushing techniques add life to your carving without overpowering the wood by Lora S. Irish This article was originally published in issue 46 of Woodcarving Illustrated. In this project, I use stain, oil paint, and acrylic paint to enhance the project without obscuring the wood grain. This fun wood […]

by November 20, 2017 Finishing for Beginners, Get Started Carving
Hand Sharpening Made Simple

Hand Sharpening Made Simple

Tips for keeping your carving tools razor sharp by John Mignone and Roger Schroeder. This article was first published in issue 32 of Woodcarving Illustrated. Ask ten carvers how to sharpen a tool and you are bound to get ten different answers. But what is the right way to sharpen a […]

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