Wood carving is an ancient craft, which takes time, patience, and dedication to master. However, the learning process itself is rewarding and enjoyable, and with the right tools, you will soon be well on your way to creating your own beautifully crafted objects such as handmade Welsh love spoons. Here are some of the basic tools you need to get started.

If you have some DIY skills, you may already own some carpentry tools such as saws, hammers, and chisels. However, woodcarving generally requires smaller and more precise tools, which give you better control and a smoother finish, so you may need to invest in the following.

Carving knives

If you intend to limit your work to whittling, then a carving knife may be the only tool you’ll need. They come in a range of sizes, with curved or straight blades. The type of wood you are using will also determine which knife you need. If your project has a lot of fine detail which requires crisp edges, then a small and very sharp knife is best.

Chisels

Chisels are multi-purpose tools which come in a range of sizes. They can be used to split and cut wood, and to shape wood by shaving off the edges. It is best to buy a set of chisels with different shaped tips, because each has a different purpose. For example, some are shaped to work with angles or corners.

Gouges

Gouges have rounded tips, and are used to hollow out sections of the wood, or to create curves or circular shapes, with a scooping action.

Veiner tool

Veiners are similar to gouges, but they have longer sides to create a U-shaped cut.

PPE

Also be aware that you should wear personal protective equipment such as safety goggles and gloves to prevent injuries.