Beginning Hand Carving
A carver needs both the conceptual skills to "see" the form inside a block, and the technical skills to set that form free. Students will develop both skill sets through a combination of demonstrations and supervised work time. Our focus will be on getting the most out of a small range of versatile and efficient hand tools. First get a handle on the basics by roughing out and carving simple spoons, then apply the same principles to carving 1:6 scale figures. Finally, complete both pieces using a range of finish carving and surface design techniques. Expect to leave with either one completed piece and several samples, or a few works-in-progress--as well as the knowledge they need to tackle whatever comes next!
Welcome!
Thank you for signing up for Beginning Hand Carving! On this page you'll find detailed information about gathering tools and supplies for the class as well as several slideshows of inspiring images.
Your materials fee will include wood and the in-class use of shared carving and sharpening tools, but if you want to work at home you'll need a few tools of your own. I've given a fair amount of information about tool shopping below, but if you have any questions at all, keep your receipts and packaging, or wait to go shopping until after the first class.
You'll also need: a notebook, pencil, and dustmask (if you wear glasses, look for a dustmask with an exhale vale so you don't fog up).
Your materials fee will include wood and the in-class use of shared carving and sharpening tools, but if you want to work at home you'll need a few tools of your own. I've given a fair amount of information about tool shopping below, but if you have any questions at all, keep your receipts and packaging, or wait to go shopping until after the first class.
You'll also need: a notebook, pencil, and dustmask (if you wear glasses, look for a dustmask with an exhale vale so you don't fog up).
Shopping for Chisels
Choosing the right tools is a very personal decision, based on considerations such as your hand size, scale, studio situation, and budget. Adjust my recommendations to fit your own situation. And if you already have tools similar to these, great! Bring them along!
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SHAPES
As a basic starting point, I recommend getting three chisels: -a C- or U-shape (aka “sweep” or “gouge”) -a V-shape (“parting tool” or “veiner”) -a flat blade with either a squared-off or angled (“skew”) cutting edge |
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SIZES / STYLES
Almost any shape of tool will be available in many different sizes and handle styles. When choosing, keep in mind the size of the work you want to make, the size of your hands, and how much room you have for storing tools (handles can take up a lot of space!). BRANDS Of the many great options available, I think that the Flexcut brand offers the best balance of affordability and quality. Flexcut chisels are available either with fixed handles, or as interchangeable blades that snap into different handles; the snap-on blades take up less space so I can easily carry around one handle and 12 different blades in a small tool roll. Flexcut offers a variety of beginner kits; these are generally fine, but I were choosing my tools individually I'd get a handle and these blades (you can see them on the Tool Profile Chart pdf): -SK317 45 deg. x5/32" (4mm) Parting Tool -SK407 #2 x9/16" (15mm) Skew Double Bevel -SK402 #8 x3/8" (10mm) Sweep Another brand that I like is Dockyard; they sell sets of tiny microchisels that I use for carving details and for working with wax. |
A boxed beginners set with fixed handles.
My tool roll with one handle and many blades; note that I store them point down.
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SHARPENING
There will be sharpening tools for you to use in class but if you plan to carve on your own some sort of sharpening system is essential. It's easy to keep Flexcuts and other small chisels sharp with the Flexcut SlipStrop.
STORES
I keep my eyes open for sales and have bought from many local and online sources, but Woodcraft.com is very reliable and offers a "birthday club" discount. In Seattle, options include Woodcraft (Georgetown), Rockler (Northgate), and Artist & Craftsman (U-District).
There will be sharpening tools for you to use in class but if you plan to carve on your own some sort of sharpening system is essential. It's easy to keep Flexcuts and other small chisels sharp with the Flexcut SlipStrop.
STORES
I keep my eyes open for sales and have bought from many local and online sources, but Woodcraft.com is very reliable and offers a "birthday club" discount. In Seattle, options include Woodcraft (Georgetown), Rockler (Northgate), and Artist & Craftsman (U-District).
MY RULES OF CHISEL OWNERSHIP
1. Don't buy more than you need; start with 2-3 and grow your collection as appropriate.
2. Don't waste your money on cheap tools.
3. Treat your tolls with care: keep the ends capped or covered, never let a cutting edge touch another piece of metal!
OTHER TOOLS
Other hand tools I may introduce in class include: razor saw, adze, draw knife, drill, crooked knife, or mallet. Don’t run out and buy these, but feel free to bring any that you already have and I can explain how and when to use them.
1. Don't buy more than you need; start with 2-3 and grow your collection as appropriate.
2. Don't waste your money on cheap tools.
3. Treat your tolls with care: keep the ends capped or covered, never let a cutting edge touch another piece of metal!
OTHER TOOLS
Other hand tools I may introduce in class include: razor saw, adze, draw knife, drill, crooked knife, or mallet. Don’t run out and buy these, but feel free to bring any that you already have and I can explain how and when to use them.