Get Started Carving

Setting Up Shop

Setting Up Shop

A carver needs more than sharp tools; a workspace, bench, and lighting are equally important by Chris Pye   Carving, just like everything else, happens in a context. In other words, there are prior and surrounding circumstances that directly affect what you are doing. Indeed, they affect what you can […]

by September 13, 2017 Get Started Carving, Techniques for Beginners
Setting Up Your Painting Area

Setting Up Your Painting Area

Organize your finishing area for maximum efficiency by Vicki Rhodes This article was first published in issue 44 of Woodcarving Illustrated. Having a dedicated area set up to paint is as important as having an area set up for carving. It could be an extension of your carving area, but make […]

by September 11, 2017 Finishing for Beginners, Get Started Carving
The Basics of Sharpening

The Basics of Sharpening

Properly prepare your knife for safe and enjoyable whittling by Bob Duncan   Although it may seem contradictory, a sharp knife is a safe knife. When a knife is dull, or not shaped properly, it requires more force to push the blade through the wood. The more force required to make […]

Woods for Carving

Woods for Carving

Members of the Woodcarving Illustrated Message Board choose their top carving woods   Carvers today can choose from a variety of woods, but it can be difficult to know which wood to choose for a specific project. We surveyed the members of the Woodcarving Illustrated Message Board to find their […]

by September 6, 2017 Get Started Carving, Materials for Beginners
Great Gouges: the Essential Tool Kit

Great Gouges: the Essential Tool Kit

A stress-free beginner’s guide to choosing tools by Bob Duncan Beginning carvers often buy a set of carving tools and end up with an assortment of tools they will never use. Instead of paying for tools that don’t fit your needs, buy tools à la carte and create your own […]

by September 4, 2017 Get Started Carving, Tools for Beginners
The Right Wood for Walking Sticks

The Right Wood for Walking Sticks

Tips for choosing the best branch to carve into a beautiful, personal walking stick from Hand Carving Your Own Walking Stick by David Stehly   If you just need help hiking up a tough hill, pretty much any reasonably sturdy branch in woods will do the job. But if you […]

by July 27, 2017 Materials for Beginners, Techniques
Sharpening a Carving Knife

Sharpening a Carving Knife

  Quick and easy steps keep your knife ready to carve By Mac Proffitt A sharp carving tool is the first requirement for successful and happy carving. A dull tool will not produce clean cuts and creates a greater risk of injury. Fortunately, there is a simple method to sharpen […]

by February 24, 2010 Shop Tips, Techniques, Tools for Beginners