Wood carving is a rewarding hobby that can yield beautiful results. If you follow our six easy tips for beginners, you can become a pro in no time.
Wood carving is a skill that anyone can start at any age or skill level, and the results are always satisfying. If you’re a beginner, you’re probably excited to jump straight into the actual carving. Similar to any other activity, however, you want to familiarize yourself with a few basic protocols before you move to the fun stuff. To help move the process along, we’ve made a list of six wood carving tips to get you started.
1. Choose the Right Wood
To create a truly quality piece, you need to know what to look for regarding the type of wood you use. Different varieties of wood react uniquely to various techniques. Ultimately, hardwoods such as alder and cherry are favorites among woodworkers, though, you should explore what works best for your intended result.
2. Learn How to Hold a Knife
When you carve, you want to be sure that the knife you use feels comfortable in your hand. You may want to watch some woodcarving videos to get a visual perspective on how professionals handle their equipment. It’s important that you don’t grip the knife too hard and you don’t strain your wrist.
3. Wear a Glove
Your safety is one of the most important aspects of woodworking. You should always wear a glove on the hand holding the wood. This prevents splinters and reduces the likelihood you’ll cut your hand if the knife slips. You may want to wear a glove on both hands to start, but this could make producing fine detailing a little awkward.
4. Make a Plan
Come up with a plan before you start carving. Figure out measurements, sketch out your design, and do a couple practice cuts on a piece of scrap wood. Even the most seasoned carvers can attest to the benefits of devising a careful strategy for their projects.
5. Don’t be Afraid of Cutting
You may feel a bit of trepidation when it comes to actually taking away any wood—don’t be. Ultimately, wood needs to be eliminated to make your vision a reality. Don’t be nervous to make the cut. If you mess up, that’s okay; it’s part of the learning process.
6. Cut Across the Grain
Take your time to learn about the direction of the grain in your piece of wood. This understanding is what will lead to your eventual success. Cutting across the grain gives you better control and leads to smoother results. As you learn different techniques, you’ll eventually learn how to use different cuts to enhance your piece. As a beginner, however, using the grain to your advantage is your best bet.