In this video, professional wood carver Randall 'Madcarver' Stoner teaches you how to carve an oval in relief. Together, you'll cut in the outline of the shape, creating a stop cut. Next you'll learn how to raise the oval using the initial stop cut. Lastly, you will see how to round the edges of the oval, giving it that final 3 dimensional look. With the skills learned from carving an oval, you'll be able to begin creating many other objects with your carving tools. Add petals to make a basic flower, or add curved lines to turn it into a basketball. What did you turn your oval into? Beginners, comment below :) Video Notes: Tools Used: Schaaf Tools...
Learn how to sharpen your wood carving tools with by hand. In this beginner video lesson, Master Carver Joe Dillett shows how to put a razor sharp edge on all your Gouges, Chisels and Knives using a Monocrystalline Sharpening Stone and Strop.
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, and how to use it in different types of carving projects. Chisels vs. Gouges If you’re new to woodcarving, you may be confused about the difference between a chisel and a gouge. What makes a gouge a gouge? What do the numbers printed on the handles of chisels and gouges tell you about the size and shape of their cutting edges? Before we discuss the specific characteristics of a spoon carving gouge, let’s briefly review a few details about chisels and gouges in general. Here’s a...
What's Your Sharpening Process? I’m not going to bury the lead. If you talk to three different carvers, they’ll probably have three different ways to sharpen their tools. Here’s the bottom line: If the tools are sharp, and you’re able to carve the shapes and details you need with them, that’s what matters. Especially for the beginners and hobbyists out there. Carver #1 - Dick Belcher Today, we’ll start with Dick Belcher’s sharpening process. Dick is a professional carver and carving teacher, with more than 40 years’ experience using and sharpening wood carving tools. He knows a thing or two. First, a couple things to understand: All gouges have two bevels – inner and outer. This is different than a chisel,...
Video Notes & Summary In this video we’ll be showing you: How correctly hold a wood chisel How to properly carve your first cuts with a wood chisel Main Points Covered: Basic safety via proper technique How to hold a wood chisel in your dominant hand and support with your non-dominant hand How to make your first cuts Please note: The method shown in this video is not the only way to use your carving chisels. Each carver may have his or her own technique. The tips and techniques taught here have worked for Randall for decades, and we think they will provide value to beginners looking to start carving. We recommend that each person finds what best works for...
