Not all chisel blades are created equal. Any wood carver who has experience using a professional quality gouge versus a "Harbor Freight" alternative knows that. So what's the difference? Or more specifically, why do the two cut and feel so different? The steel holds the answer. In this article, we explore how professionals Joe Dillett and Dick Belcher test the metal of their wood carving tools (literally), as they demonstrate on Schaaf Tools gouges. The Spark When Wood Carving Illustrated first got their hands on our 12 piece beginner carving chisels, they sent the set to Dick Belcher, of Belcher Carving Supply, to test the steel quality. I remember hearing the chisels passed the spark test, and Dick was impressed...
Hand carving wood into intricate shapes and designs is a fine art requiring only a few basic tools to get started. As you develop your carving ability and desire to create more complicated pieces, you can grow your tool collection and continue learning new techniques. Use the tips and information below to learn how to get started with this craft and how to use wood carving tools to bring your designs to life. How Do You Start Hand Carving Wood? To get started with wood carving, you’ll need a good knife for basic cuts and/or a beginner’s toolset for variety. You will also need the right type and size of wood. Before planning any designs, however, you will want to...
The fine art of wood carving involves the use of many different tools and techniques. With practice, you’ll learn to use each one and probably find a few favorites. Until then, what tools do you need for wood carving? Start with a good wood carving knife and work your way up to other tools from there. Learn more below about some of the tools you’ll need in your toolbox as your skills improve. What Are the Best Tools for Wood Carving? There are several types of tools you will want to become familiar with if you plan to take up wood carving. As you progress in your skills, you can experiment with new tools or different styles of these tools,...
Whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete novice, nailing that final finish is key to making your work look sharp. But with so many finishes and sealants out there, it can feel like you're lost in a maze of choices. This article explores the different types of wood finishes and sealants for achieving a polished and professional look in your wood carving projects. You can also check out this video from our Wood Spirit series to see how carving pro Lucas Kost finishes his wood spirit carvings: Lesson 5 - The Finishing Process - How to Carve a Wood Spirit | Beginner Wood Carving Tutorial What Type of Project is this? The first thing to consider when choosing...
Wood carving is a craft that has captured human imagination for centuries, transforming simple blocks of wood into intricate, beautiful works of art. Today, many of us spend so much time in front of a computer, on our phones, or stressed out by our work, its becoming increasingly important to take up creative hobbies. Wood carving is one of the hobbies that is increasing in popularity over the last few years. Though it may seem daunting at first, wood carving is approachable for anyone willing to try their hand at it. With the right tools, proper guidance, and a bit of patience, you can master the basics and develop your own unique style. At Schaaf Tools, we’re passionate about...
