Many beginning wood carvers ask for tips on how to get started of right with wood carving. The Number 1 most important thing that a wood carver can do to ensure that they are successful at wood carving, is always have SHARP tools.
There are several things that wood carvers need to know to keep their wood carving tools sharp.
- Always remember that when your tools are sharp, only re-sharpen if the tools: break, chip or need to be reshaped.
- Sharp tools are actually safer to use than dull tools. They move easier through the wood and don’t hang up as often and then unexpectedly come free causing slicing and puncture woods.
- Choose good quality sharpening equipment. This can be anything from using sharpening stones by hand, to using power sharpening systems. No matter what method you use, the end result should always be the same. You want a “wire” edge with the proper bevel on the tool.
- Constantly and consistently use a strop.
Stops are usually made of a piece of leather with the fuzzy side up, glued to a flat wooden paddle. An abrasive compound is then added to the leather to aid in removing a very fine amount of metal from the tool as you pull the tool across the leather. Remember, when stropping, you are not pushing the cutting edge of the tool against the leather, you are pulling the cutting edge away from the leather. Continue reading »
is one of my favorite books for a beginner wood carver. I got this book last Christmas and it grabbed my attention the first time I opened the book.
