Different types of wood carving
Wood carving is a subcategory of woodworking, a known and admired ancient art through the centuries. Using cutting tools such as wood carving chisel, wood carving knife, or mallet, the carver tends to create astonishing wooden items, sculptures, and figures. Although many people have been fascinated with this artwork worldwide, its particular material doesn’t survive the centuries’ decay as stone or bronze does. On the other hand, bringing conceptual art and sculptures to life is easier when the artist chooses wood as the primary material. Because carving on wood is so much more practical than carving on other materials like stone. Like other forms of arts, wood carving also possess various types, techniques, and styles. Knowing different types of wood carving will assist you in recognizing your areas of interest, understand the unique details in each technique, and the particular tools required to complete the designs.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Table of contents
Whittling
Whittling is widely known as a hobby rather than a carving job, and it is the basic form of wood carving. That is why it is suitable for beginners. However, it is not as easy as it may seem. Generally speaking, wood carving is an excellent way to relieve stress. Interestingly, people introduce whittling as one of the most incredible ways to face anxiety. The primary material for Whittling is softwood such as pine, basswood, and balsa wood.
The carver tends to create small objects out of small pieces of wood. This technique requires simple tools like knives. For some particular wood carving designs, you may need to use different blades, which will ultimately help you land better results. Remember always to keep your knives sharp. If the tools are not sharp enough, they might get stuck in the wood and hurt your fingers. For more information, you can read the following article: How to sharpen wood carving tools.
Chip Carving
Chip Carving is another form of wood carving, and it is also an excellent technique for beginners. The chip carving process consists of removing small wood chips from a flat surface to create the intended design. Spoon carving is another name for it, and if you look at wood carving history you will see that it possesses traditional values in folk art and culture. The carver usually applies patterns and geometric figures to make decorative art and handicrafts.
So we could say that chip carving is not entirely applicable in making sculptures. Mahogany, butternut, basswood, and pine are the most frequent wood types in chip carving. The primary equipment for this method is a cutting knife, which can be used to remove chips from the surface, and a stabbing knife, a special knife utilized in the wood, but because of its unique features, it could be used to create specific designs.
Relief Carving
Relief carving is more intricate than the other two methods. Therefore, a beginner might find the designs extremely challenging to complete. Relief carving involves carving figures in a flat panel of wood by removing the wood around the designed objects, resulting in the objects standing up from the background. Depending on the degree of projection that the carver applies, the relief could range from low to high. Wood carving tools necessary for relief carving include gouges, chisels, and mallets. Chisels help the carver incorporate straight and angled cuts, gouges are excellent for curved cuts, and mallets assist the carver in making deeper cuts in hardwoods. Both softwood and hardwood could be used for relief carving. However, beginners might prefer using softwood better.
Pyrography
Pyrography is a process in which the artist uses a heated object to create burn marks on a wooden surface, ultimately land a previously designed picture. The heated object can create various shades and tones, providing the artwork with detailed delicacy. Therefore, the headed object or the wood-burning pen is the primary tool, and its different tips, temperature, or the way it is applied could generate different effects. The artist would also need a wet towel at hand to prevent his/her hands from burning. Pyrography is a wood carving technique initiated in the 17th century and reached its pinnacle in the 19th century. Hardwoods are more appropriate for applying this method, and the most common types include basswood, beech, sycamore, and birch. For safety percussions, bear in mind to keep pen tips away from your skin and avoid burning plastics while working.
Chainsaw Carving
Chainsaw carving is a combination of woodcarving with modern chainsaw technology to create fast-growing art forms. Many artists incorporate this technique to make extraordinary artwork that can impress everyone, not just art lovers. Mainly, chainsaw carving is used to generate figures. What you need as the wood carving tools for this method is a chainsaw, special blades, and power supply to begin. Also, you may need a grinder to add the finishing touch to your design and make it smoother. Chainsaw carving requires high levels of safety percussions. You must wear safety goggles all the time while working with a chainsaw. Don’t forget to wear quality earplugs and gloves. Last but not least, you must wear safety boots to protect your feet from sharp objects.
The Items that you read here are among the most common types of wood carving. As you learned, some of the methods are more suited for beginners. The wood carving industry can be considered an old enterprise that introduces innovative decoration and art to the world. If you wish to be a part of this industry, first, you need to pick your favorite technique and start mastering it. Remember that safety must always come first. After that, just keep on practicing and creating.