Wood carving is a creative and rewarding hobby, which can give you a wonderful sense of achievement, as well as a beautiful object to display or give as a gift to a loved one. There is undoubtedly something extra special about a hand-crafted item, which has been made with love and care. Here are some tips to help you take the first step on your carving journey.

Learn about different wood types

Some wood types are more suitable for carving than others. Although there are many thousands of species of tree, wood for carving is broadly divided into two categories: hardwood, which comes from deciduous trees such as oak and ash, and softwood, which comes from evergreen trees such as conifer species. 

Hardwood is strong and durable, and is used to make classic furniture pieces which have stood the test of time, and still remain valuable centuries later. Examples include walnut, mahogany, and oak. However, for carvers, the hardwood that truly stands out is limewood, because it takes detail well and is ideal for carving and whittling. 

Softwood, such as pine and fir, tends to be less durable. However, they are relatively inexpensive, so they are a good choice for amateur woodworkers who want to get some practice in.

Learn the tools of the trade

The type of carving you want to do will inform the tools that your need. For a project which needs a lot of fine details, you will need a selection of carving knives with sharp blades or various lengths. The blades can be curved or straight to help achieve different effects. Whittling knives are used to gradually shave away layers of wood to reshape it.

Chisels of various shapes and sizes are also useful for shaping wood, and gouging tools and veiners are designed for creating marks and hollows in the wood. However, many simple carving projects can be completed with just a carving knife or a whittling knife, so there’s no need to invest in an expensive set of tools when you are just starting out. 

Once you have the right tools, study online videos to help you learn how to handle the tools correctly. Always wear safety gloves when you are learning, to guard against cuts and splinters. 

You will need a clear workspace

To achieve the best results, and also for safety reasons, you will need a clutter-free work zone. This doesn’t have to be a huge area, but it should give you enough space to lay out your materials and tools easily and neatly, move freely without obstruction, and be away from pets and children. 

Plan out your design beforehand

This might seem like an obvious point, but make sure you have a plan to work to before you start carving. Even the most abstract creative piece will be improved by some measuring and drawing first. Practice a few cuts on some spare pieces of wood first to get the feel of it. Most carvers recommend cutting across the direction of the grain for better control.

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