Are you in need of a new hobby? Most people who look into hobbies, look into things such as hiking, biking, or some other athletic oriented task. Relatively few people explore hobbies in the arts such as painting and wood working.
Woodworking and carving can be a very rewarding avenue to pursue if you have the patience to see it through. Like most hobbies, wood carving is not something that can just be picked up and end up with master level results. Good results in wood carving requires a lot of practice, knowledge of the different woods available, and the proper tools.
Starting Out
Before you can begin any wood carving project you need to have a solid understanding of the most popular woods used by carvers. It is also good to understand which woods are best for the type of project you are creating.
As an example, some woods are better for large furniture items such as tables and cabinets because they are sturdier than the other wood options. Some of the most popular types of wood for carving are basswood, Aspen, Butternut, Black Walnut, Oak, White Pine, Balsa, and Fruit Wood.
Of course, there are many other wood types out there, and all can be carved, these are just some of the most popular.
Dremel rotary tools for wood caring
One of the most popular tools for wood carving is a Dremel rotary tool. Dremel rotary tools are used across the wood working spectrum from beginners to experts.
They can easily be found online or at any major hardware store. On the lower end, Dremel’s are relatively cheap and sell for around $25 to $30. On the higher end, they sell for $125 to $150. A popular model is the Dremel 4000.
Depending on the Dremel you choose, the tools come with a variety of bits and other attachments. As general rule the bits with the larger heads are used to quickly remove large amounts of wood. Bits with smaller heads are used in narrow areas and to add detail to your carving. Some bits are made for cutting, some for grinding, some for sanding, etc…
The bits are also made from a variety of materials. The material you choose for your bits does effect their durability., so keep that in mind while buying them. The most common are carbide and diamonds. Most major hardware stores sell small starter packs of bits that give you a good sampling of what is available.I recommend buying a starter pack to experiment with as you get started.
Tips about a few of these types of popular wood
Basswood - This type of wood is probably one of the easiest to carve. It is soft and allows you to get the fine detailed cuts in the wood. It also allows you to go against the grain of the wood. This is a huge benefit, especially for those just starting out. All of these aspects combined makes it a serious contender for the best carving wood for a beginner.
Balsa - Balsa wood is another very soft wood and definitely another great wood for beginners. However, while still technically carving, Balsa wood is more suited to whittling.
Fruit wood - Fruit wood is not a singular type of wood but a family of woods that come from fruit trees. Some examples of fruit woods are apple wood, pear wood, and cherry wood. Due to the texture of these woods they hold water well and are therefore best suited to being carved into bowls, spoons, etc.
Oak - Simply put, due to its sturdiness, Oak is the ideal wood for furniture.
Pine - This type of wood is often used in lumber and is difficult to carve. White Pine however is the exception to that rule and is another good choice for furniture.
One last word of advice regarding your wood choice, it is very important for you to take the time to use your carving tools on scraps of the wood you chose for your project. You need to experiment with it, so you know what to expect as far as how that particular wood responds to your tool and carving bits.
To Conclude
Carving, as with all disciplines, takes time to master. As you experiment with various types of wood, Dremels, and bits, you will gain the knowledge and skill needed to become better and better. If you stick with it, you will have found an amazing hobby that lasts a lifetime, and one you can share with your family and friends.