Wood Carving?

Question

I'm wanting to start out in wood carving. I was wondering what tools to buy? I was thinking something like a cutting knife and some palm tools, but I don't really know which ones. I am into making small objects like wooden necklaces (such as this...http://exquisitedreams.com/catalog/images/SW-007.jpg). Something that will have grooves, quite curvy.
Also if you can recommend what type of wood to use that'd be great, I'd prefer it to be something not too dark and easy to handle, but not something that'd be really weak.
Thanks a lot!

Answer 1

Whittling is the art of carving shapes out of raw wood with a knife.
Whittling is typically performed with a light, small-bladed knife, usually a pocket knife. Specialised whittling knives are available as well. They have thick handles which are easier to grip for long periods allowing precise control and pressure.

Occasionally the terms "whittling" and "carving" are used interchangeably, but they are different arts. Carving employs the use of chisels, gouges, and a mallet, while whittling involves only the use of a knife.

It is a custom that has been practiced worldwide for centuries. Some communities still hold whittling festivals and competitions.

Woodcarving below;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Woodcarving
Whittlingbelow;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whittling
History of wood carving below;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Wood_carving
Woodworking below;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Woodworking
Woodworking glossary below;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodworking_glossary
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_working
Wood grain below;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_grain
Woods to use below;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Woodcarving
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Wood
Balsa wood;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balsa
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Art_materials
Instuctions on making wooden beads;
you can ask this forum - http://www.craftweb.com/
http://www.janfitch.com/castpaper.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bead_%28woodworking%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decorative_Bead
Hope this helps, you will have to get a manual, search on line or go to the library to find more instructions for making your beads. Some ways to do this have been listed above.
Cheers!

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

one of the best carving tools you could ever invest in is a dremel tool. there are so many attachments for every job you would want to do.
but if you want to do things the hard way here are some hand tools you would need
1) Type C Handle:
Heavy-duty plastic handle no.5 knife
For precise heavy-pressure cutting of heavy weight materials: Wood, board, paper, plastic, metal.
Blades that fit type C Handle
(1) No. 18 Heavy Weight Wood Chiseling Blade
(1) No. 19 Angled Wood Chiseling Blade
(1) No. 22 Large Curved Carving Blade
(1) No. 24 Deburring Blade
(1) No. 26 Whittling Blade
(1) No. 15 Keyhole Blade
(1) 1/16" U Carving Gouge
(1) 3/8" Wide Carving U Gouge
(1) 3/8" Wide Carving V Gouge
(1) 3/16" Narrow Carving V Gouge
(1) 1/4" Wide Carving Chisel Gouge
(1) 3/16" Narrow Carving Chisel Gouge
you can get all the these in a set.

as far as the wood for beginners you have basswood, aspen and butternut good strong wood easy to carve
basswood and aspen are white and butternut is brown

Answer 4

The guy who told you about a dremel tool is right. I've used a die grinder, which is essentialy a dremel tool, but more heavy duty and probably too big for dainty jewelry. For the initial carving process I always use a rubber mallet and gauges that a place called windsor plywood sharpens for me. They come in a million different sizes. A rasp is a good thing to have to. Back to windsor plywood, they also sell exotic woods. Purple heart is gorgeous, Birds eye maple, cedar smells so good...there are literally hundreds to choose from. The link that you provided is down and I don't know exactly what you're going for, but I'd have to agree with the first gentelman and see get a dremel tool. I saw them at target recently for about fifty bucks, and that included every attatchment you could ever want. Good luck.

Answer 5

If you are planning to start on your woodworking project, this isn't something you should use, it's something that you would be insane not to. Go here https://tr.im/QzmLp
Truth is, I've been a carpenter for almost 36 years, and I haven't found anything like this for less than 10's of thousands of dollars.

Answer 6

ask your question in this wood carving forum.