MTW Wood Carving
Materials Technology Wood
About this Site:
The aim of this website is to act as an aid to someone who has little or no experience of carving and it was designed as a resource for students and teachers of second level education. The main benefit of the site are the video tutorials taking a beginner carver through the basics principles of using the tools and the various styles of carving.
Through the explanations and demonstrations of key principles students will be equipped with the knowledge and understanding to design and make there own creations...
Carving Tools
Manipulating the Carving Chisels:
-
Heavy Cuts: Place index finger of strong hand on the top of the blade. Using your other hand grip the blade within a fist.
-
Light Cuts: For lighter, more delicate cuts pinch the blade between to index finger and thumb of the weaker hand.
-
Vertical Cuts: Gripping the handle with the fist of your stronger hand, place your thumb on the top of the handle. Pinch the blade between to index finger and thumb of the weaker hand to guide and control the blade. This hand should maintain constant contact with the workpiece.
-
Using the Mallet: Gripping the Chisel or Gouge at the centre ensures the top face of the blade is in the same plane as the back of the folded hand. Give allows for optimum control of the Chisel/Gouge through subtle movements of the wrist.
Chip Carving Knives
Chip Carving Knives come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, two knives in particular are predominantly used; a cutting knife and a stab knife. The cutting knife has a straight edge for removing chips while the stab knife has a sharpened skewed end which is used to make decorative indentations. Explore how to correctly use these tools in the "Chip Carving" Section of the site.