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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, […]

Realistic Santa Carvings

Realistic Santa Carvings

Intricate details and interesting poses add life to these realistic Santa carvings  By Dylan Goodson With any carving, it’s important to get the overall anatomy correct. But for me, the fun comes when it’s time to add details. I prefer realistic carvings because I can really add as much detail […]

by October 25, 2017 Features, Holiday Carving
Using a Grid to Enlarge a Pattern

Using a Grid to Enlarge a Pattern

Classic technique allows you to scale a pattern without using a photocopier or computer By Jon Deck and Bob Duncan Before photocopiers were widespread, woodworkers and crafters enlarged patterns by hand. While there are hosts of drafting tools that make this possible, the easiest way to enlarge a pattern is […]

by October 24, 2017 Techniques
Choosing Power Carving Bits

Choosing Power Carving Bits

Make smart purchases with a basic understanding of the cutters available by Chuck Solomon and Dave Hamilton Photos of bits in use courtesy of Foredom This article was first published in issue 48 of Woodcarving Illustrated. In power carving, the bur or bit is the part of the tool that does […]

by October 23, 2017 Get Started Carving, Tools for Beginners
The Design Process

The Design Process

Taking a caricature from concept to completion by Marv Kaisersatt This article was first published in issue 38 of Woodcarving Illustrated. By relying on commercially available patterns, your scope of subjects is very limited. It’s actually quite simple to design your own caricature by determining proportions and positions with models before beginning the […]

Carving Santa and Rudolph

Carving Santa and Rudolph

Your new chance to carve our very first Santa By David Sabol In many ways, it’s the iconic carving we compare all Santa projects to—the cover project of Woodcarving Illustrated Issue 1. This piece captures the whimsy and fun of carving, and the finishing technique leaves no question that it’s […]

by October 20, 2017 Holiday Carving, Patterns & Projects
Carving Cigar Box Lids

Carving Cigar Box Lids

Create a one-of-a-kind gift by upcycling wooden cigar boxes By Desiree Hajny Most good cigars come in Spanish cedar boxes, and Spanish cedar is a great wood for carving. So, why not embellish a cigar box with a carving to transform it into a wonderful keepsake box. When carving the […]

by October 20, 2017 Patterns & Projects
Clean Joint Lines For Relief Carvers

Clean Joint Lines For Relief Carvers

Tips and tricks to clean up difficult areas in a relief carving by Lora S. Irish This article was first published in issue 38 of Woodcarving Illustrated. Clean joint lines are the first problem a budding relief carver runs into. If your joint lines are not sharp and clean, the whole […]