Wood is a material that has been used for various applications for thousands of years. In modern times it has served as a floor covering, decorative accent, and many other uses in and around the home. If you’d like to learn to carve wood, the process is quite simple and a whole lot of fun to do. There are different ways to carve wood but a common method is to use a chisel tool. No matter what kind of tool is used, the first step will be to select a piece of wood to be carved. Oak, cherry, pine, and cedar are all typical types of woods, but there are others available as well. Each wood has its own color and “grain” or pattern that gives it its own individual look. Some types of woods are softer than others, so beginners may want to use a softer version until they get a feel for the process.
Once the desired piece of wood has been chosen, sketch the design or outline onto the wood using a pencil. A pencil is recommended because it “takes” on the wood better, and you can always erase the lines if you make a mistake. Mount the wood to a steady surface using a clamp to avoid it from slipping. It’s also a good idea to wear safety goggles or glasses to avoid any wood chips or splinters getting into the eyes. Some people will cut the design with an X-Acto knife or craft knife just to get it started. Take a hammer, preferably a rubber mallet, and lightly tap the chisel onto the wood, making sure the wood itself stays steady. Slowly but surely, small pieces of wood will begin to chip away.
Following the pattern already drawn, continue to carve the wood until it takes the desired shape. Pay careful attention to the angles as you carve. Once the bulk of the wood has been removed or carved, you may then go back and focus on the details, using a smaller sized chisel or knife to smooth out the edges. A rasp, which is a smoothing tool, is especially helpful. Sandpaper is also a great and easy tool to help smooth out the look of the finalized piece. You can also stain the wood when complete for a beautiful shine. Remember to take your time and have fun and you’ll end up with a lovely hand carved piece of wood.
