Polmac (UK) Ltd has been using hand carving techniques, as well as other techniques, to embellish our decorated wood boxes for many years.
There is real craftsmanship involved in hand carving complex patterns on wooden boxes and this takes time but there are some basic skills that you need to learn before you start.
There is real craftsmanship involved in hand carving complex patterns on wooden boxes and this takes time but there are some basic skills that you need to learn before you start.
Wood Relief Carving Leaf Motifs
It's important to use the right tools for the job, so learn which tools are used to accomplish which particular task and practice using them.
Use soft woods like Basswood, because they're easy to carve. This will allow you to learn the basic techniques of wood carving without having to wrestle with a hard wood that's tough to carve.
Polmac (UK) Ltd traditionally uses Linden and Alder which are woods that are soft enough to carve easily and are also ideal for wood staining purposes.
Polmac (UK) Ltd Decorated Boxes
Most importantly, ensure your wood carving tools are always sharp, because then you can cut cleanly and evenly into the wood.
If you take care, it's even possible to cut across the grain. However, remember that it's always better to carve with the grain, rather than against it!
Tip: To prevent the grain from tearing away, cut in from both sides.
Sharp hand carving tools are also safer to use than blunt ones, because with blunt tools you'll invariable need to use more pressure. Accidents can then happen, because by using more pressure, your tools may slip and slide.
It's also important to learn more about the wood itself, particularly the characteristics of the end grain and how it can help or hinder you.
Be ambitious and use your own designs. They don't have to be complicated but it will give you a great sense of satisfaction to produce carvings that you have designed yourself. If this doesn't come easily, don't worry, because the more you practice, the better you'll become.
Start with simple designs, that you know you can easily accomplish and build on that to produce more intricate designs.
You can also experiment with different kinds of carving to find which ones you really like, such as chip and relief carving, caricatures, realistic sculpture, wildfowl etc
Wood carving can be immensely enjoyable, so be patient, learn the basics, try out different types of carving and above all have fun!
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