Artistic wood carving for beginners

[syedarslan]

Interested in wood carving for beginners, as a rule, people who have no artistic education. For them, this art is a hobby. Due to the fact that the knowledge of most of these carvers is disparate, we will try to streamline them. In the very carving of wood there is nothing difficult. In Russia, this kind of creativity has always been central. Even in the processing of stone, we first used the techniques to which we had long been accustomed.

 

 

Types of carving and technique

Speaking in general, the wood carving can be attributed to plastic art. Traditionally, they distinguish the relief and the volume sculptural carving on wood . A beginner must first master the methods of creating a relief.

This technique has several variants of a thread:

• geometrical;
• flat-relief thread  ;
• open-work;
• blind carving with a selected background;
• slotted contour thread  ;
• waybill.

 

The list does not end here. Beyond the limits, there are still many. From the names one can understand the difference between this or that technique. Classification is often complicated by the fact that our country is big. In different regions, the names of the same technique may differ. However, the essence does not change, so we outline the general methods of work.

All beginners are familiar with geometric carving. It is simple, but beautiful. This type of thread is divided into three types:

• contouring;
• trihedral-notched;
• nail or staple.

For execution it will be required:

• linden board;
• knife-cant;
• Ruler and pencil.

On the board are painted in the form of a geometric pattern. The carver can come up with an  ornament for carving  yourself or copy what you like. Do not immediately take on complex elements, if there are no skills and the hand is not solid enough.

The board should be smooth. Such a surface is achieved by planing. In no case do you need to grind the surface with sandpaper? If abrasive particles remain in the fibers, they will not allow the thread to be clean and neat. In addition, the cutting edge of the knife will be blunt.

 

 

They allow you to draw straight lines with a knife. The creation of straight lines on the boards of coniferous species is much more difficult. So, the tip of the knife cuts into the surface vertically. The depth is 1.5-2 mm. Then the whole line cuts through, the knife pulls towards you. The blade tilts at an angle of 40 °. Movements should be smooth. Note that start the thread of the line and finish with the tip of the knife. 
 

After making one line or cutting, do the following. Only now the inclination of the blade should be in the opposite direction. The chips will separate, and on the board there will appear a groove of geometric shape. If the edges are clear, and the surface shines, then everything was done correctly. Gradually, we cut out the entire element, and then complete the ornament.

It must be remembered that along the fibers the knife goes easier. Cutting the transverse fibers, you have to make more efforts. The hand can slip, and here you need to know the rules:

• work safety;
• organization of the working space;
• preparation of the tool.

 

 

Workplace of the carver

Work with a sharp tool should be done behind the workbench, which meets all the requirements of stability and strength. If there is no way to make such a workbench, you can limit yourself to the countertop. It can be any size, but the height should not be higher than the level of the carver's belt.

The worktop should always be smooth and clean. Often when working, the knife slips and falls into the table. There are jags, they need to be removed. Professionals always monitor the surface of the workbench. They do not recommend hammering nails, cutting with an ax or throwing a sharp tool on the workbench, as all this can damage the countertop. The board on which the ornament is carved is carefully fixed with clamps. Work on your knees, on an unstable table or stool should be excluded.

The work table for wood carving should be well lit. You can install it near the window. However, daylight is not enough.

They should cover the work from different angles, especially if the window is dark. Install the lamp above the eye of the carver. During operation, the eyes are stressed. This is noticed even by experienced masters. The novice carver tire faster, and high-quality lighting makes the working conditions comfortable and safe.

source & credit to: wooden designs.com