Whether you plan to start wood working as a hobby or as a new business, there are a few things that you need to know to succeed in your new venture. One of the most important things is the way wood works. While it is easy to work with wood, you need to understand this material to make the most of it. Other building materials such as plastic and metal are fairly consistent but wood isn't consistent.
It contracts and expands at different rates and one log may have completely different properties as compared to other log even if it is from the same species. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is study the different types of woods and how grains affect the strength as well as appearance of wood.
There are more than a few useful resources available online that can help you learn a lot about various types of woods and the right type of wood to be used in a particular project. Once you have understood the types of wood and have decided on the kind of wood you are going to use for a particular project, you need to understand various types of wood work tools available in the market and how these tools can help you with woodworking.
Different Types of Wood for Wood Work
As mentioned in the beginning, there are many different species of wood and each of these species has different properties. Here is a list of some of the most commonly used varieties of wood.
One of the most widely produced types of wood in South East Asia is teak wood. This wood has oily texture which means it is somewhat resistant to warping as well as insects. It is strong, durable as well as extremely heavy wood that can last for many years. As far as the color of teak wood is concerned, it ranges from dark brown to yellowish brown and the mineral streaks give it a contrast in grainy structure. This wood is used for building houses as well as for making furniture as it is moisture resistant.
Fruit wood which is also known as cherry wood is commonly found in eastern United States. It turns deep red when polished. It is a close grained wood that is extremely strong and resistant to warping. It is relatively easy to work with as it's not very hard and therefore, it is used for making all kinds of furniture ranging from cabinets to chairs.
Maple wood is an extremely hard wood and grains of some of the varieties of maple wood are used for making quilts, curls as well as flames. As far as the color is concerned, it ranges from cream white to snow-white and it turns golden ivory in color when polished. It is commonly used for making bowling alley flooring as it is one of the hardest woods. It is also used for making sports equipment and musical instruments apart from making furniture.
American walnut wood is another type of commonly used wood that needs preventive treatment as it is relatively low natural resistance to insects. It is commonly used for flooring tiles, musical instruments, clock cases, utensils, ships as well as gun stocks.
The Brazilian rosewood is found only in Brazil and is also known as Piano wood. It is a very hard wood and has a fragrance like rose and this is why it's called rosewood. It is available in a variety of shades ranging from chocolate brown to purple.
Overall, these are some of the most common types of woods that are used for making a variety of things ranging from gun stocks to furniture to flooring tiles to utensils to ships to cabinets and other such things. It is important for you to know various types of woods to choose the right type of wood to be used for your project.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Benefits Of Wood Work For A Career
Working with wood can be one of the most exciting things that people can do as a living. However, sometimes people need to know the benefits of being a wood worker for a career. By learning about these benefits it is something that should be easy for people to find the right job field and know they are going to have a great time when they go to work each day. Without this people may discount the fact that wood work is a career option they can use and start to wonder why anyone would choose this as a career option.
Ability To Use Artistic Ability
This is a tremendous benefit that people tend to overlook, but it is one that is going to make the job a great one. That is the ability for people to put their own design and artistic ability to use. Normally people do not think about this, but they need to realize when they are able to apply their own touch to the project they are going to have a chance to make the project look great. So this is a great aspect and something that people are really going to like when they go out to work each day.
Ability To Work With Power Tools
This is a great feature that a lot of people are going to like to see because they have a chance to work with power tools. This may be something that people never thought about before, but it is very important for them to consider because they get a chance to work with tools that they used to work with in shop before. So this is should be another consideration people are going to want to look for when they are considering this as a job field.
Chance To Make Different Items
This is something else that people are going to like with the wood working career. Normally people do not think about this, but with this career they will have a chance to make a different item each time they go out to the shop. So this will allow people to continue to have a different item being made and not have to worry about repeating the same exact thing each time. Instead, they will be able to make the product once and then move onto a different product, unless they have decided to make the same thing.
Chance To Have The Shop At Home
This is a tremendous benefit that people need to explore because having a shop at home is going to help people out quite a bit. Normally people do not think about this, but when they are using the wood shops they can have them set up on their property. This way people do not have to worry about driving to work for hours on end. However, this is going to make it easier for people to get a job and know they will not have to be concerned about the drive to work.
Finding a career that is rewarding, pays the bills, and something people love is often a dream that people have. However, some people will struggle to find the career that fulfills all of these. This is when people should be aware of the benefits of setting up a wood work career from their home. By knowing about these benefits it will be easy for people to make a living doing something they absolutely love and know they will not lose money or sleep each day because they are worried about the job they are doing.
Ability To Use Artistic Ability
This is a tremendous benefit that people tend to overlook, but it is one that is going to make the job a great one. That is the ability for people to put their own design and artistic ability to use. Normally people do not think about this, but they need to realize when they are able to apply their own touch to the project they are going to have a chance to make the project look great. So this is a great aspect and something that people are really going to like when they go out to work each day.
Ability To Work With Power Tools
This is a great feature that a lot of people are going to like to see because they have a chance to work with power tools. This may be something that people never thought about before, but it is very important for them to consider because they get a chance to work with tools that they used to work with in shop before. So this is should be another consideration people are going to want to look for when they are considering this as a job field.
Chance To Make Different Items
This is something else that people are going to like with the wood working career. Normally people do not think about this, but with this career they will have a chance to make a different item each time they go out to the shop. So this will allow people to continue to have a different item being made and not have to worry about repeating the same exact thing each time. Instead, they will be able to make the product once and then move onto a different product, unless they have decided to make the same thing.
Chance To Have The Shop At Home
This is a tremendous benefit that people need to explore because having a shop at home is going to help people out quite a bit. Normally people do not think about this, but when they are using the wood shops they can have them set up on their property. This way people do not have to worry about driving to work for hours on end. However, this is going to make it easier for people to get a job and know they will not have to be concerned about the drive to work.
Finding a career that is rewarding, pays the bills, and something people love is often a dream that people have. However, some people will struggle to find the career that fulfills all of these. This is when people should be aware of the benefits of setting up a wood work career from their home. By knowing about these benefits it will be easy for people to make a living doing something they absolutely love and know they will not lose money or sleep each day because they are worried about the job they are doing.
Friday, December 30, 2016
What Safety Items Are Needed For Wood Work?
When the hot days of summer turn into the cooler days of fall and winter, it is time to turn your attention back to projects you can tackle indoors. Wood work is a fabulous winter hobby where you can produce all sorts of creative furniture and wall designs. However, before you get too excited about diving into your first project, you have to consider what safety items you are going to need.
Eye protection is one of the must haves on the list of safety items you will need. When working with power tools around wood, small chips of the wood can fly off and scratch your cornea. While you may be confident that a normal pair of sunglasses is a cheaper option for protecting your eyes, they does not give the full side protection that safety glasses do. You can purchase these at any hardware or tool store, so make sure they are on the top of your list.
Next, you need to consider a pair of thick work gloves. While you may have concerns that they are going to interfere with you being able to get on with some of the tricky bits when you are doing your wood work project, you must at least wear them when you have the power tools going. One small slip with a drill or saw is going to leave you with a nasty cut. By wearing safety gloves, you can minimize the impact of the power tool in the split seconds it takes your brain to realize an accident is happening. When you are doing intricate tasks like sanding, you don't have to wear the gloves.
You should also consider a thick workman's apron to wear while you are working on your project. Just like the gloves, the apron will protect your skin from punctures and grazes if power tools accidentally get too close to your body. You can purchase safety aprons made from thick leather at the local hardware store. Look for one that covers you from the neck down to your knees for ultimate protection.
Lastly, make sure you protect your hearing by investing in a set of quality ear muffs that you can wear while working with the loud power tools like cutting saws. Constant exposure to loud power tools can permanently damage your hearing. When you are looking at the different types of ear muffs, make sure you test them first so you know you are getting a pair that is comfortable. You don't want to end up with hearing damage because you purchased something you stopped using because they were uncomfortable to wear.
Once you have gathered up all the necessary safety gear that you need, then you can start tackling all sorts of wood work projects. Don't be tempted to jump in without having these safety items though, as one slip of your hand could leave you nursing a nasty injury and that is not going to inspire you to want to continue with this fun hobby.
Eye protection is one of the must haves on the list of safety items you will need. When working with power tools around wood, small chips of the wood can fly off and scratch your cornea. While you may be confident that a normal pair of sunglasses is a cheaper option for protecting your eyes, they does not give the full side protection that safety glasses do. You can purchase these at any hardware or tool store, so make sure they are on the top of your list.
Next, you need to consider a pair of thick work gloves. While you may have concerns that they are going to interfere with you being able to get on with some of the tricky bits when you are doing your wood work project, you must at least wear them when you have the power tools going. One small slip with a drill or saw is going to leave you with a nasty cut. By wearing safety gloves, you can minimize the impact of the power tool in the split seconds it takes your brain to realize an accident is happening. When you are doing intricate tasks like sanding, you don't have to wear the gloves.
You should also consider a thick workman's apron to wear while you are working on your project. Just like the gloves, the apron will protect your skin from punctures and grazes if power tools accidentally get too close to your body. You can purchase safety aprons made from thick leather at the local hardware store. Look for one that covers you from the neck down to your knees for ultimate protection.
Lastly, make sure you protect your hearing by investing in a set of quality ear muffs that you can wear while working with the loud power tools like cutting saws. Constant exposure to loud power tools can permanently damage your hearing. When you are looking at the different types of ear muffs, make sure you test them first so you know you are getting a pair that is comfortable. You don't want to end up with hearing damage because you purchased something you stopped using because they were uncomfortable to wear.
Once you have gathered up all the necessary safety gear that you need, then you can start tackling all sorts of wood work projects. Don't be tempted to jump in without having these safety items though, as one slip of your hand could leave you nursing a nasty injury and that is not going to inspire you to want to continue with this fun hobby.
A Beginners Guide To Great Wood Carvings
If you want to explore your creative side and work with natural material then getting started on the journey to creating fantastic wood carvings is a great way to have some fun.
The great thing about getting ready to turn out fantastic wood carvings is that the equipment required is not expensive. In fact with only a few basic tools almost anyone can be ready to start this great hobby.
The first decision any woodcarver will have to make is what sort of wood they would like to work with. Each type of wood has its own distinctive characteristics and some are easier to work with than others.
Here are some of the most popular types of wood chosen by those who are new to carving.
#1 Butternut.
This is a great choice for the beginner. Butternut is easy to carve Its course grain and distinctive light brown color makes it very attractive.
#2 White Pine.
This is another wood that is very easy to work with due to the fact that is extremely soft. The creamy color and medium grain also makes it a very attractive wood to use.
#3 Cherry.
Cherry wood is more suitable for those who have some experience in carving. It's a hard wood with a wavy grain and a fine pink / brown color. It will reward the hard work that goes into carving it with a very attractive end product that can be brilliantly varnished.
#4 Sugar Maple.
The creamy color of Sugar Maple makes it one of the most popular woods used for carving. However, it is challenging to carve due to the fact that it has a fine grained, hard wood.
#5 White Oak.
Coarsely grained this wood is not suitable for beginners - however the almost bleached yellowish wood allows for the creation of some extremely attractive pieces.
The tools required to start off a hobby of wood carving are relatively simple - making this pastime extremely cost effective. In fact only three types of tools are required. These are:
#1 The Chip Carving Knife.
This is the tool that beginners will be using most often. With a blade that is between one and two inches long it's easy to use, however care should be taken to make sure that it is comfortable in the hand. The most expensive chip carving knives will cost around $50 (however some can be a lot more expensive). This who want to make sure that their purchase is great value for money should make sure that it has a carbon steel blade.
#2 Gouges.
These are used to scoop out portions of wood (think about a small, sharp ice cream scoop). There are a variety of different types. Two great choices for the beginner are the U Scoop and the V Scoop.
#3 Mallets And Chisels.
The chisels are used for chipping and the mallet applies force to make the chipping process easier. Beginners can choose either a rubber head mallet or a wooden one.
Wood carving is a great, cheap way to start off working with wood. It's also a fantastic way to get used to the different types of wood and their characteristics. Using the knowledge gained from carving the creative person can move on to more ambitious wood working projects.
The great thing about getting ready to turn out fantastic wood carvings is that the equipment required is not expensive. In fact with only a few basic tools almost anyone can be ready to start this great hobby.
The first decision any woodcarver will have to make is what sort of wood they would like to work with. Each type of wood has its own distinctive characteristics and some are easier to work with than others.
Here are some of the most popular types of wood chosen by those who are new to carving.
#1 Butternut.
This is a great choice for the beginner. Butternut is easy to carve Its course grain and distinctive light brown color makes it very attractive.
#2 White Pine.
This is another wood that is very easy to work with due to the fact that is extremely soft. The creamy color and medium grain also makes it a very attractive wood to use.
#3 Cherry.
Cherry wood is more suitable for those who have some experience in carving. It's a hard wood with a wavy grain and a fine pink / brown color. It will reward the hard work that goes into carving it with a very attractive end product that can be brilliantly varnished.
#4 Sugar Maple.
The creamy color of Sugar Maple makes it one of the most popular woods used for carving. However, it is challenging to carve due to the fact that it has a fine grained, hard wood.
#5 White Oak.
Coarsely grained this wood is not suitable for beginners - however the almost bleached yellowish wood allows for the creation of some extremely attractive pieces.
The tools required to start off a hobby of wood carving are relatively simple - making this pastime extremely cost effective. In fact only three types of tools are required. These are:
#1 The Chip Carving Knife.
This is the tool that beginners will be using most often. With a blade that is between one and two inches long it's easy to use, however care should be taken to make sure that it is comfortable in the hand. The most expensive chip carving knives will cost around $50 (however some can be a lot more expensive). This who want to make sure that their purchase is great value for money should make sure that it has a carbon steel blade.
#2 Gouges.
These are used to scoop out portions of wood (think about a small, sharp ice cream scoop). There are a variety of different types. Two great choices for the beginner are the U Scoop and the V Scoop.
#3 Mallets And Chisels.
The chisels are used for chipping and the mallet applies force to make the chipping process easier. Beginners can choose either a rubber head mallet or a wooden one.
Wood carving is a great, cheap way to start off working with wood. It's also a fantastic way to get used to the different types of wood and their characteristics. Using the knowledge gained from carving the creative person can move on to more ambitious wood working projects.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Make Money Selling Wood Carvings
Have you gotten good enough at wood carving and you think that other people would be willing to pay to get their hands on your masterpieces? This can prove to be a very exciting for you. There’s nothing like making money out of something you enjoy doing. Whether you’re looking to make a living or just generate some income on the side, it’s important to learn the different channels through which you can sell your works of art. Keep reading to find out how you can make money by selling your wood carvings.
Flea Markets
If you’re looking for a marketplace with a low barrier of entry, then flea markets are your best bet. There are plenty of flea markets nationwide. However, take note that people going to flea markets aren’t necessarily looking for pieces of art. Since the traffic isn’t highly targeted, you can’t expect to get a lot of sales unless your works are of really high quality. In addition, you may not get the best prices if you decide to sell in flea markets.
Art & Craft Shows
You should also look into entering art and craft shows. These shows can be among the best places to sell your works since you can guarantee that the people who go here have a good chance of being interested in what you have to offer. Your goal should be to stand out from the crowd. If your works look just like anybody else’s, then you can’t expect to make a significant return.
Wood Carving Shows
If you truly want something very niche, then you should try to get into wood carving shows. On the surface, this might sound like your best option. But it’s essential to note that majority of the people attending these events are fellow wood carvers. They might be interested in buying books, tools and wood. Some may even be looking to expand their network. This doesn’t mean you have no chance to sell your items. There may be collectors attending these shows, especially the bigger ones. And the good news is that if a collector really likes your work, it will surely get an excellent price.
Personal Website
Since today’s business landscape is largely influenced by the internet, there’s no reason for you to ignore establishing an online presence. By creating your personal website, you can increase the exposure of your masterpieces to a wide range of targeted audience. You can employ techniques to improve search engine visibility and use social media marketing to generate traffic as well. What’s more, you can even decide to sell your services. You can accept special orders from clients and receive commissions from all the work you produce.
Now, you should have an idea on how you can make money by selling wood carvings. By exploring all available options, it’s certainly possible to turn your hobby into a business. Before you know it, you have a long list of clients eagerly awaiting to own one of your works.
Flea Markets
If you’re looking for a marketplace with a low barrier of entry, then flea markets are your best bet. There are plenty of flea markets nationwide. However, take note that people going to flea markets aren’t necessarily looking for pieces of art. Since the traffic isn’t highly targeted, you can’t expect to get a lot of sales unless your works are of really high quality. In addition, you may not get the best prices if you decide to sell in flea markets.
Art & Craft Shows
You should also look into entering art and craft shows. These shows can be among the best places to sell your works since you can guarantee that the people who go here have a good chance of being interested in what you have to offer. Your goal should be to stand out from the crowd. If your works look just like anybody else’s, then you can’t expect to make a significant return.
Wood Carving Shows
If you truly want something very niche, then you should try to get into wood carving shows. On the surface, this might sound like your best option. But it’s essential to note that majority of the people attending these events are fellow wood carvers. They might be interested in buying books, tools and wood. Some may even be looking to expand their network. This doesn’t mean you have no chance to sell your items. There may be collectors attending these shows, especially the bigger ones. And the good news is that if a collector really likes your work, it will surely get an excellent price.
Personal Website
Since today’s business landscape is largely influenced by the internet, there’s no reason for you to ignore establishing an online presence. By creating your personal website, you can increase the exposure of your masterpieces to a wide range of targeted audience. You can employ techniques to improve search engine visibility and use social media marketing to generate traffic as well. What’s more, you can even decide to sell your services. You can accept special orders from clients and receive commissions from all the work you produce.
Now, you should have an idea on how you can make money by selling wood carvings. By exploring all available options, it’s certainly possible to turn your hobby into a business. Before you know it, you have a long list of clients eagerly awaiting to own one of your works.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Wood Carvings - A Great Piece To Purchase
Buying something that is unique and beautiful is a good thing. The problem a lot of people have is they are unsure what exactly is a great, decorative piece they can buy for their home. What is even more of a challenge is when they are trying to find a piece that is unique and will not be matched by anyone else in the neighborhood. This is when people should know about wood carvings and how this is a great piece for them to purchase from a local crafter, instead of from a mega store.
Supporting a local individual who works hard at their job and rarely gets the recognition is one reason to buy wood carvings from a local crafter. Generally people do not think about this, but the smaller local craft people usually sell at shows and online. However, they tend to put the money they earn back into the local economy by supporting other small businesses that are able to supply them with the items they need to have. So this is something people need to think about since it will make a difference in the life of someone local versus the mega stores.
Uniqueness is another feature people will enjoy with the carvings they are getting from the local crafter. While they will attempt to get a second piece to look exactly alike they will usually have some minor differences. These differences will make the pieces unique from each other. Then people will have a chance to get to see the pieces and know that no one else in the neighborhood or even the world will have the exact same piece that they have purchased for use in their home.
Typically since these are carvings being done by local individuals they will have a local touch to the pieces. However, they will also have a quality that is unmatched. The reason this is going to be unmatched is people will have a chance to get to see the different levels of craft work that people are doing. However, it will also make it easier for people to see the pride in the work because the person doing the work knows they will have to see the person who bought the piece from them time and time again.
When people are looking to add in a unique item to their home, they will generally find it can be very difficult to do at times. This is when people should know more about the unique features they can get in quality wood carvings from local crafters. By knowing this information it will be very easy for people to find the right carvings and know it is going to be completely different than anything else in the neighborhood. Without this, people may have some problems in finding the right item to bring into their home because they are worried about the items matching those that the neighbors house has. With this, though, people will have a great time in picking out the craft products they want to purchase.
Supporting a local individual who works hard at their job and rarely gets the recognition is one reason to buy wood carvings from a local crafter. Generally people do not think about this, but the smaller local craft people usually sell at shows and online. However, they tend to put the money they earn back into the local economy by supporting other small businesses that are able to supply them with the items they need to have. So this is something people need to think about since it will make a difference in the life of someone local versus the mega stores.
Uniqueness is another feature people will enjoy with the carvings they are getting from the local crafter. While they will attempt to get a second piece to look exactly alike they will usually have some minor differences. These differences will make the pieces unique from each other. Then people will have a chance to get to see the pieces and know that no one else in the neighborhood or even the world will have the exact same piece that they have purchased for use in their home.
Typically since these are carvings being done by local individuals they will have a local touch to the pieces. However, they will also have a quality that is unmatched. The reason this is going to be unmatched is people will have a chance to get to see the different levels of craft work that people are doing. However, it will also make it easier for people to see the pride in the work because the person doing the work knows they will have to see the person who bought the piece from them time and time again.
When people are looking to add in a unique item to their home, they will generally find it can be very difficult to do at times. This is when people should know more about the unique features they can get in quality wood carvings from local crafters. By knowing this information it will be very easy for people to find the right carvings and know it is going to be completely different than anything else in the neighborhood. Without this, people may have some problems in finding the right item to bring into their home because they are worried about the items matching those that the neighbors house has. With this, though, people will have a great time in picking out the craft products they want to purchase.
A Beginner’s Guide To Wood Carvings
Are you looking for a new hobby? If you have a knack for arts and crafts, then you may want to consider entering the wonderful world of wood carvings. Nothing compares to creating a piece of art out of a block of wood. There are no limits as to what you can do. Aside from being an excellent form of self-expression, wood carving can also be a great source of income if you decide to sell your work. But just like any artistic endeavor, you should first learn the different techniques and tools used in wood carving in order to hone your skills.
Understanding The Different Wood Carving Techniques
As a beginner, your first order of business is to learn about the different techniques you can use as a wood carver. Basically, there are four techniques to choose from namely whittling, carving in the round, relief carving and chip carving. Each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages. In addition, each one calls for a different set of tools. It is best to start with the most basic form, which is whittling, as it helps you become familiar with how to create various shapes.
Whittling involves removing or cutting small bits of wood from a block in order to form different shapes. As mentioned, this is the most basic technique used in wood carving. However, it proves to be the least popular in the modern world. The reason for this is that today’s designs are more detailed and intricate. Relief carving is a little more advanced. In this technique, a picture is carved on a flat piece of wood. This serves as an introduction on how to create three dimensional images.
Carving in the round is generally considered as the most flexible wood carving technique. As the term implies, this involves carving all the way round the block of wood. This transforms an ordinary block of wood into any three dimensional object. Chip carving, meanwhile, makes use of chisels or knives to remove chips of wood and create intricate patterns. This technique is most commonly used for decorating household items such as furniture and chests.
The Tools Used For Wood Carving
As mentioned above, your tools should be in line with the wood carving technique you use. If you start with whittling, then you can get by with just a pocket knife. This is why many beginners start with this technique as it doesn’t require expensive tools. Chip carving also isn’t demanding in terms of tools. A couple of knives or chisels should be enough to get started. For relief carving, gouges are necessary to create the desired effect. Carving in the round requires the most number of tools including knives, chisels and gouges.
By now, you should have a basic understanding of how you can get started with wood carving. Familiarizing yourself with the different techniques and tools should serve as a good starting point. With constant practice, you should be able to create outstanding wood carvings and even profit from your works.
Understanding The Different Wood Carving Techniques
As a beginner, your first order of business is to learn about the different techniques you can use as a wood carver. Basically, there are four techniques to choose from namely whittling, carving in the round, relief carving and chip carving. Each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages. In addition, each one calls for a different set of tools. It is best to start with the most basic form, which is whittling, as it helps you become familiar with how to create various shapes.
Whittling involves removing or cutting small bits of wood from a block in order to form different shapes. As mentioned, this is the most basic technique used in wood carving. However, it proves to be the least popular in the modern world. The reason for this is that today’s designs are more detailed and intricate. Relief carving is a little more advanced. In this technique, a picture is carved on a flat piece of wood. This serves as an introduction on how to create three dimensional images.
Carving in the round is generally considered as the most flexible wood carving technique. As the term implies, this involves carving all the way round the block of wood. This transforms an ordinary block of wood into any three dimensional object. Chip carving, meanwhile, makes use of chisels or knives to remove chips of wood and create intricate patterns. This technique is most commonly used for decorating household items such as furniture and chests.
The Tools Used For Wood Carving
As mentioned above, your tools should be in line with the wood carving technique you use. If you start with whittling, then you can get by with just a pocket knife. This is why many beginners start with this technique as it doesn’t require expensive tools. Chip carving also isn’t demanding in terms of tools. A couple of knives or chisels should be enough to get started. For relief carving, gouges are necessary to create the desired effect. Carving in the round requires the most number of tools including knives, chisels and gouges.
By now, you should have a basic understanding of how you can get started with wood carving. Familiarizing yourself with the different techniques and tools should serve as a good starting point. With constant practice, you should be able to create outstanding wood carvings and even profit from your works.
Monday, December 26, 2016
The Basics Of Wood Carvings 101
Just as there are several ways to skin a cat, there isn’t just one way to make wood carvings. And if you would only do research, you will see that there are actually four different types of styles that you can specialize in. If you are new to wood carvings, we suggest that you choose a style before you proceed. Why? Because it will determine the books you need to buy, and the tools you need to use to master that style. So, without further adieu, here are the different styles of woodworking.
Whittling - This is thought to be the oldest style of woodworking. This is done with a carving knife and is characterized by visible knife strokes.
Carving-in-the-round - This style offers smoother strokes and life-like sculptures in three-dimension. In order to master this style, you will need to have a set of tools, not only a carving knife. Unlike whittling, you can see more detail in this style.
Relief carving - Also known as bas-relief, with this style, you take a flat piece of wood and then carve your image onto it, using the flat background as background. When you do relief carving, you get is a 2D-image not unlike pictures. The only difference is that you can feel the contours of the end result.
Chip carving - With this style, you chip away at a flat piece of wood, leaving geometric patterns behind. Although this is easier to do than the other styles, it requires more time to master this skill. This really isn’t surprising considering that you are deliberately chipping away, and not chipping as a result.
In order to master any of these styles, it is important to note that each of them come with a different set of techniques and tools to get started. But perhaps the more important item in your to-do list is to understand the tools used in the trade. There are three basic tools - chisels, gouges, and V-tools.
Chisels have a flat or straight cutting edge. They are best used to work on the edges of a project, and they should never be used on a flat surface because they tear into the wood. If you need to work on a flat surface, use a gouge.
Gouges have a curved cutting edge called a sweep. The sweep comes in different ranges - from a slight curve to a v-like one. They have numbers assigned to them. Gouge # 2 has the slightest sweep while Gouge #11 has the most curved sweep. #11 gouges are often used to carve hair or make narrow cuts.
V-tools are used to sharpen projects and give texture to them. Just like gouges, they come in different degrees, from 45, 60, 70, and 90 degrees.
But these tools are really just the basic tools. Woodworking masterpieces usually make use of other, sometimes sophisticated tools. If you are totally new to the craft, make sure to buy a book first detailing the basics of the style you want to specialize in. Then buy a tool kit.
Whittling - This is thought to be the oldest style of woodworking. This is done with a carving knife and is characterized by visible knife strokes.
Carving-in-the-round - This style offers smoother strokes and life-like sculptures in three-dimension. In order to master this style, you will need to have a set of tools, not only a carving knife. Unlike whittling, you can see more detail in this style.
Relief carving - Also known as bas-relief, with this style, you take a flat piece of wood and then carve your image onto it, using the flat background as background. When you do relief carving, you get is a 2D-image not unlike pictures. The only difference is that you can feel the contours of the end result.
Chip carving - With this style, you chip away at a flat piece of wood, leaving geometric patterns behind. Although this is easier to do than the other styles, it requires more time to master this skill. This really isn’t surprising considering that you are deliberately chipping away, and not chipping as a result.
In order to master any of these styles, it is important to note that each of them come with a different set of techniques and tools to get started. But perhaps the more important item in your to-do list is to understand the tools used in the trade. There are three basic tools - chisels, gouges, and V-tools.
Chisels have a flat or straight cutting edge. They are best used to work on the edges of a project, and they should never be used on a flat surface because they tear into the wood. If you need to work on a flat surface, use a gouge.
Gouges have a curved cutting edge called a sweep. The sweep comes in different ranges - from a slight curve to a v-like one. They have numbers assigned to them. Gouge # 2 has the slightest sweep while Gouge #11 has the most curved sweep. #11 gouges are often used to carve hair or make narrow cuts.
V-tools are used to sharpen projects and give texture to them. Just like gouges, they come in different degrees, from 45, 60, 70, and 90 degrees.
But these tools are really just the basic tools. Woodworking masterpieces usually make use of other, sometimes sophisticated tools. If you are totally new to the craft, make sure to buy a book first detailing the basics of the style you want to specialize in. Then buy a tool kit.
Woodwork Projects - The Best Woods And Tools
For those in search of a great hobby working with wood has always been an attractive option. Woodwork projects range from those suitable for beginners to more advanced projects that offer a a steeper learning curve. but also result in some fantastic additions to the home in terms of new furnishing and decoration.
The challenge is to find the correct raw materials and the tools required to successfully complete your chosen project.
A basic tool set is required to complete most woodwork projects. Some of the essential pieces of equipment include:
#1 A Power Jointer or Thickness Sander for smoothing is essential if you are going to be using rough timber or reclaimed wood.
#2 A router and two essential bits. A router is extremely useful for getting the correct width on boards and straightening edges. The two most essential bits are a straight cut bit and a flush trimming unit.
#3 A circular saw for getting wood lengths into a rough shape ready for more detailed finishing.
#4 A jigsaw is absolutely essential for cutting curved shapes.
#5 An electrical drill and a wide assortment of woodworking bits is a great addition to any woodworking workshop.
Other items that definitely should be in the toolkit are a tape measure and spirit level, handheld chisels and a wooden mallet, a set of clamps and a woodworking bench and the ever useful hammer and a set of screwdrivers (with screws that are suitable for woodworking). If you want to give your work that personal touch a set of hand planers is a great addition to your set of tools.
Once you have these tools in hand then you'll be ready to choose exactly what type of wood you'll need to complete your chosen woodwork projects.
Here are some of the most popular types of wood that each woodworker should be familiar with.
#1 Ash.
Weighty and very strong Ash is also extremely attractive. With a brownish grey color and a very visible grain Ash makes a great wood for furniture as well as for objects that will see heavy use such as sporting equipment.
#2 Butternut.
Butternut is a favorite for those who want to build kitchen cabinets or cooking utensils. This is a softer wood with a light brown to pale color. It's easy to work making it ideal for projects that require finished curves.
#3 Cherry.
Extremely attractive and moderately hard Cherry is the perfect wood to use for flooring and furniture. Varnishing will bring out its rich reddish brown color. With a moderate grain this is a woodworking favorite.
#4 Maple.
Another favorite for woodworkers who are looking for the ideal wood for kitchen products. It's moderately hard and has a fabulous, rich red / brown color. It's a great wood to use for butcher's blocks and kitchen cabinets, as well as other furniture.
#5 Mahogany.
This is one of the most popular woods for making fine furniture and is also used for flooring and stairways. Mahogany is tremendously attractive and color varies from light to darker brownish red. It takes varnish very well. The interlocking grain also gives a classic look to any finished piece.
#6 Pine.
Pine is extremely easy to work being one of the softer woods available. It is also very popular due to low cost. It's ideal for kitchen cabinets, paneling and doors. The light yellowish brown color is attractive and brings a lightness to any finished piece.
Whatever your choice of wood a woodworking project is the ideal way of expressing your commitment to a hobby that brings both pride and joy to any home.
The challenge is to find the correct raw materials and the tools required to successfully complete your chosen project.
A basic tool set is required to complete most woodwork projects. Some of the essential pieces of equipment include:
#1 A Power Jointer or Thickness Sander for smoothing is essential if you are going to be using rough timber or reclaimed wood.
#2 A router and two essential bits. A router is extremely useful for getting the correct width on boards and straightening edges. The two most essential bits are a straight cut bit and a flush trimming unit.
#3 A circular saw for getting wood lengths into a rough shape ready for more detailed finishing.
#4 A jigsaw is absolutely essential for cutting curved shapes.
#5 An electrical drill and a wide assortment of woodworking bits is a great addition to any woodworking workshop.
Other items that definitely should be in the toolkit are a tape measure and spirit level, handheld chisels and a wooden mallet, a set of clamps and a woodworking bench and the ever useful hammer and a set of screwdrivers (with screws that are suitable for woodworking). If you want to give your work that personal touch a set of hand planers is a great addition to your set of tools.
Once you have these tools in hand then you'll be ready to choose exactly what type of wood you'll need to complete your chosen woodwork projects.
Here are some of the most popular types of wood that each woodworker should be familiar with.
#1 Ash.
Weighty and very strong Ash is also extremely attractive. With a brownish grey color and a very visible grain Ash makes a great wood for furniture as well as for objects that will see heavy use such as sporting equipment.
#2 Butternut.
Butternut is a favorite for those who want to build kitchen cabinets or cooking utensils. This is a softer wood with a light brown to pale color. It's easy to work making it ideal for projects that require finished curves.
#3 Cherry.
Extremely attractive and moderately hard Cherry is the perfect wood to use for flooring and furniture. Varnishing will bring out its rich reddish brown color. With a moderate grain this is a woodworking favorite.
#4 Maple.
Another favorite for woodworkers who are looking for the ideal wood for kitchen products. It's moderately hard and has a fabulous, rich red / brown color. It's a great wood to use for butcher's blocks and kitchen cabinets, as well as other furniture.
#5 Mahogany.
This is one of the most popular woods for making fine furniture and is also used for flooring and stairways. Mahogany is tremendously attractive and color varies from light to darker brownish red. It takes varnish very well. The interlocking grain also gives a classic look to any finished piece.
#6 Pine.
Pine is extremely easy to work being one of the softer woods available. It is also very popular due to low cost. It's ideal for kitchen cabinets, paneling and doors. The light yellowish brown color is attractive and brings a lightness to any finished piece.
Whatever your choice of wood a woodworking project is the ideal way of expressing your commitment to a hobby that brings both pride and joy to any home.
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Taking Up Woodwork Projects
Many people often dream of woodworking as a hobby but they usually give up due to lack of proper information, lack of time and various other factors. Thankfully, there are a number of resources available today that can help you in taking up woodwork projects in case you are interested in creating some interesting woodwork projects on your own.
As a beginner in the woodworking space, you need to have access to the right tools, projects as well as enough space and time to bring your project to reality. Here is a list of some of the factors you need to consider to make sure that you are able to take up and complete that woodworking project.
One of the most important things you need to consider while starting new woodwork projects is that you need to be interested in that particular project. Do not pick up a complex project in the beginning as it may take you a long time and you may lose interest if you are unable to complete that project. Therefore, it is recommended to take up a few simple projects in the beginning to get some good results and keep your interest in the woodworking.
Another important thing you need to consider is the level of skills you currently have when it comes to woodworking. Do not forget that woodworking involves using a lot of power tools that can be dangerous if not used in the correct manner. Therefore, you need to honestly assess your skills and take a stock of your habits as well as skill levels to make sure that you are able to handle the tools in a safe manner.
You will also need to check the kind of tools you will need to complete the project you have undertaken. Woodworking tools are also costly which means you will need to rent the tools from a friend or a hardware store in case you do not have the money to buy them outright.
While building a project, it is important for you to plan the project and create a schedule. You should try to stick to the schedule as much as possible as it has been observed that people often lose interest in a hobby if they do not have the discipline to complete projects. Scores of individuals have the habit of beginning a project but they often give up in the middle due to lack of discipline and lack of information.
As a beginner, having access to detailed woodworking projects is a very important factor that will play a huge role in your success as a DIY woodworker. While there are a number of the woodworking projects available on the Internet, most of these projects do not have all the instructions needed to complete the project.
Therefore, before you begin a project, you should have complete access to the overall plans on how to go about a particular woodworking project and how to complete it. The plan should also offer you advice on the tools you will need to complete the project along with the expected price and other such important factors.
As far as the tools required for woodworking projects are concerned, you may need a work bench, hammer, saw, screwdriver, measuring tape, wrench, drill as well as various other tools such as level, staple gun, pencils, first aid kit, razor, shop vacuum and some of the power tools such as a router, planer and other such tools.
When it comes to costing and budgeting for the project, most woodworking projects usually have no fixed cost. The pricing usually depends on the type of project as well as the type of materials you plan to use in the project. Projects that are simple and do not require too much material and too many tools cost less as compared to more complex projects.
However, as a beginner you will need to spend quite a bit of money to get high-quality tools as these tools cost a bit of money. It is also recommended to buy only high-quality tools as these tools will last you for a long time and you will be able to complete a number of projects before you will need to replace the tools.
Keep in mind that there are no shortcuts in woodworking and you will need to properly plan a project to finish it. Therefore, it is important that you get your hands on a proper project plan that includes everything that needs to be done to complete the project at the desired price and in the desired time.
Overall, woodworking is a very fulfilling hobby provided you get access to proper project plans, tools and have the dedication and time to take up this hobby and complete the projects that you start.
As a beginner in the woodworking space, you need to have access to the right tools, projects as well as enough space and time to bring your project to reality. Here is a list of some of the factors you need to consider to make sure that you are able to take up and complete that woodworking project.
One of the most important things you need to consider while starting new woodwork projects is that you need to be interested in that particular project. Do not pick up a complex project in the beginning as it may take you a long time and you may lose interest if you are unable to complete that project. Therefore, it is recommended to take up a few simple projects in the beginning to get some good results and keep your interest in the woodworking.
Another important thing you need to consider is the level of skills you currently have when it comes to woodworking. Do not forget that woodworking involves using a lot of power tools that can be dangerous if not used in the correct manner. Therefore, you need to honestly assess your skills and take a stock of your habits as well as skill levels to make sure that you are able to handle the tools in a safe manner.
While building a project, it is important for you to plan the project and create a schedule. You should try to stick to the schedule as much as possible as it has been observed that people often lose interest in a hobby if they do not have the discipline to complete projects. Scores of individuals have the habit of beginning a project but they often give up in the middle due to lack of discipline and lack of information.
As a beginner, having access to detailed woodworking projects is a very important factor that will play a huge role in your success as a DIY woodworker. While there are a number of the woodworking projects available on the Internet, most of these projects do not have all the instructions needed to complete the project.
Therefore, before you begin a project, you should have complete access to the overall plans on how to go about a particular woodworking project and how to complete it. The plan should also offer you advice on the tools you will need to complete the project along with the expected price and other such important factors.
As far as the tools required for woodworking projects are concerned, you may need a work bench, hammer, saw, screwdriver, measuring tape, wrench, drill as well as various other tools such as level, staple gun, pencils, first aid kit, razor, shop vacuum and some of the power tools such as a router, planer and other such tools.
When it comes to costing and budgeting for the project, most woodworking projects usually have no fixed cost. The pricing usually depends on the type of project as well as the type of materials you plan to use in the project. Projects that are simple and do not require too much material and too many tools cost less as compared to more complex projects.
However, as a beginner you will need to spend quite a bit of money to get high-quality tools as these tools cost a bit of money. It is also recommended to buy only high-quality tools as these tools will last you for a long time and you will be able to complete a number of projects before you will need to replace the tools.
Keep in mind that there are no shortcuts in woodworking and you will need to properly plan a project to finish it. Therefore, it is important that you get your hands on a proper project plan that includes everything that needs to be done to complete the project at the desired price and in the desired time.
Overall, woodworking is a very fulfilling hobby provided you get access to proper project plans, tools and have the dedication and time to take up this hobby and complete the projects that you start.
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