What Can I Carve Out Of Wood: Easy DIY Wood Projects
Most beginner woodcarvers ask themselves, “What can I carve out of wood?” There are plenty of objects that you can use as your inspiration, from small animals to household items. Your imagination is the limit, so grab a chisel and let the woodchips fly.
Before you start carving, make sure that you have the proper tools, equipment, and safety gear. Read on to find some DIY projects that you can undertake to get you started on your woodcarving journey.
Carving a Wooden Spoon
One of the best answers to the question, “What can I carve out of wood?” is to create things that you can use in your home on a daily basis. Check out this easy step-by-step guide to carve a wooden spoon:
- Choose the type of wood. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to stick to softwoods, like birch or willow, because they’re easier to carve.
- Split the log with an ax, and remove the core and the bark. You can also use a small knife to remove smaller pieces of bark easily. Round the ends by rotating the wood with one hand and slowly chopping the ends with the other.
- Draw the shape of the spoon with a pencil. Make sure that the handles become wider as they touch the spoon head. Saw the wood down to the lines of your pattern using a hand saw. Use the ax to carve the rest of the sides. Remove any jagged edges with a woodcarving knife.
- Hollow out the spoon head with a crook knife. With a carving knife or a rotating tool, fine-tune the spoon until it is completely smooth. Sand the edges to get rid of splinters. Finish with a little oil.
Carving a Wooden Dog
Another great response to the question, “What can I carve out of wood?” is to create miniatures of your favorite animals. If you love dogs, read on to find out how you can create one in the likeness of man’s best friend.
- Choose the most suitable type of wood. Most carvers use white pine, butternut, or basswood because they’re relatively easier to carve for beginners.
- Draw the shape of the dog on the cleaned log. You can also try making an initial model using clay dough so that you have a more realistic picture when you start carving.
- Carve the log down to the lines of your pattern using an ax or a hand saw. Then, secure the wood to your table with a clamp. This will allow you to work with both hands and have a better grip on the wood. Remember never to carve while the wood is on your lap.
- Continue carving the pattern you’ve outlined. Use smaller tools and woodcarving knives as you go down to the finer details, such as the face or the legs.
- To enhance the wood’s natural color, finish by applying wood spray, wax, or Danish oil.
Conclusion
There are so many ways you can answer the question, “What can I carve out of wood?” With enough practice, you can start creating more intricate carvings that require patience, technique, and skill.