Table of Contents Introduction: What Is a Spoon Carving Gouge? Chisels vs. Gouges: Understanding the Basics Differences in Shape and Use What the Numbers on Tools Mean What Makes a Spoon Carving Gouge Unique? Bent Shank Design Spoon-Like Profile How to Use a Spoon Carving Gouge Ideal Uses and Techniques Alternatives and Complementary Tools Types of Wood Carving That Use Spoon Gouges Treen and Lovespoon Carving Relief and In-the-Round Carving When Not to Use One (Chip Carving) Conclusion: Why Every Carver Should Have One A spoon carving gouge is one of a woodcarver’s go-to tools for carving out concave areas. In this article, we explore what a spoon carving gouge is, how it’s unique from other gouges,...
In this short video tutorial, practice three important, basic whittling cuts while learning how to carve a tiny monster out of basswood with Isaac J Middlemiss, aka woodcarvingman. Types of whittling cuts used: The Stop Cut Use stop cuts to define the boundaries of your carving, especially where you need a sharp, clean edge. In this video, you'll use the stop cut a lot, including at the beginning of the project when you carve along the lines of your drawn monster. Hold the knife perpendicular to the wood surface. Push the blade straight down into the wood to your desired depth (usually shallow, 1/8" to 1/4"). The Pull Cut The pull cut is great for creating controlled, shallow cuts when...
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction - Choosing the Right Wood for Carving - Importance of Soft, Easy-to-Carve Woods Best Woods for Beginners 2. Basswood (Linden) - Soft, holds detail well - Light cream color with smooth grain - Ideal for figure and relief carving 3. Butternut (White Walnut) - Soft wood with a coarse texture - Light brown with dark streaks - Easy to carve but dulls tools quickly 4. Aspen - Soft hardwood with straight grain - White color, easy to find - Great for beginners 5. White Pine - Soft wood with medium grain - Best for whittling, relief, and round carving - Can crack if not dried properly 6. Black Walnut - Harder than other options but...
Table of Contents IntroductionWhy Wood Carving is a Great Hobby Benefits of Wood CarvingArtistic AppealVariety of Carving StylesEasy to StartReadily Available MaterialsRelaxation and Tranquility Getting Started with Wood CarvingEssential Tools for BeginnersUnderstanding Carving Terminology Choosing Your First ProjectSelecting a Beginner-Friendly Design Safety TipsProtective GearSafe Handling of Tools Selecting the Right WoodBest Softwoods for BeginnersTransitioning to Hardwoods Maintaining Your ToolsKeeping Blades SharpDIY vs. Professional Sharpening ConclusionTaking the First Steps in Wood Carving If you’re considering wood carving as a hobby but are unsure whether it makes sense for you, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we discuss the types of carving you could do and the woodcarving tools you need. We also address safety concerns and provide...
