Wood carving

Wood carving is a form of working by means of a cutting tool held in the hand, resulting in a wooden figure or figurine or in the sculptural ornamentation of a wooden object. In England many complete examples remain from the 16th and 17th century, where oak was the preferred medium in this case. Figural carving seems to have been widespread. The carving to represent one's god in a tangible form finds expression in numberless ways. The early carver and for that matter the native of the present day has found a difficulty in giving expression to the eye.


Basic tool set

• The carving knife: a specialized knife used to pare, cut, and smooth wood.
•  The gouge: a tool with a curved cutting edge used in a variety of forms and sizes for carving hollows, rounds and sweeping curves.
•  The choping saw: a small saw that is used to cut off chunks of wood at once.
•  The chisel: large and small, whose straight cutting edge is used for lines and cleaning up flat surfaces
•  The V-tool: used for parting, and in certain classes of flat work for emphasizing lines.
•  The veiner: a specialized deep gouge with a U shaped cutting edge.
•  Sharpening equipment: such as various stones and a strop, necessary for maintaining edges.

Wood Sculpture


A wood carver begins a new carving by selecting a chunk of wood the approximate size and shape of the figure he or she wishes to create the required size. Hardwoods are more difficult to shape but have greater luster and longevity. Softer woods may be easier to carve but are less resistant to damage. Any wood can be carved but they all have different qualities and characteristics. Once the sculptor has selected their wood, he or she begins a general shaping process using gouges of various sizes. The gouge is a curved blade that can remove large portions of wood smoothly. For harder woods, the sculptor may use a chisel and mallet. Smaller sculptures may require the wood carver to use a knife and larger pieces might require the use of a saw. No matter what wood is selected or tool used, the wood sculptor must always carve either across or with the grain of the wood. Once the general shape is made the carver may use a variety of chisels for creating details. Once the finer details have been added the wood carver finishes the surface. If a completely smooth surface is required general smoothing can be done with tools such as “rasps,” which are flat-bladed tools with a surface of pointed teeth. The finer polishing is done with abrasive paper. Sculptor then use finer grained paper that can make the surface of the sculpture slick to the touch. After the carving and finishing is completed the artist may seal & color the wood with a variety of natural oils.