Carving tools are used in woodworking projects of all shapes and sizes. You can use them for rough finishing and shaping, or to make more intricate designs. Knives, chisels and gouges all are used in carving, but you need to know how to use them correctly in order to get the desired effect and to prevent injury.

Tool and Wood Preparation

Before you start carving, make sure the tools have been properly sharpened. A dull carving blade will end up tearing your wood and making the project much more difficult than it needs to be. A dull blade limits the amount of control and precision you'll have over the amount of wood that is taken off. Select wood that is appropriate for your tools and that is properly cured. It's best to start out with a soft wood like basswood, especially if your tools aren't of a quality to get a razor sharp cutting edge.

Safety

Safeguard against carving hazards. Wear gloves to prevent nicks and splinters and cover your nose, mouth and eyes with a mask and goggles to keep dust and debris from causing respiratory or visual problems. Make sure your work area is comfortable and, if you're using a vice to hold the wood, make sure it is properly mounted.

Primary Cutting

Once you have your pattern on your wood, use the largest tool you can to cut away the majority of excess wood (this is called "roughing out"). In some projects, you may be able to use a saw for this step but for most projects select the largest U-gouge. Hold the gouge in the palm of your dominant hand and stabilize the blade with your other hand. Lean into the work and push the blade in the direction of the wood grain (if possible). This will give you leverage and control over what you are doing and will keep the wood from tearing.

Chiseling

Place your chisel against the wood and tap the end of the chisel handle gently with a mallet. Considering you always can take wood out but can't put it back, don't hammer too hard--excessive strength in your blow can make the chisel cut deeper than you want.

Knives

To use a carving knife, hold the knife between the thumb and first finger of your dominant hand, palm down (like you're holding handle bars). Extend the thumb of the hand holding the knife so that the blunt side of the blade rests on it. Rotate your wrist and lower arm to turn the blade, using your thumb as a leverage and control point for the blade. Don't let all the work be done by the wrist alone.

Source:

Sculpture Studio: How to Carve

Basic Carving Strokes