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
 Straight Gouge/FluterFluters (firmers) are straight gouges, larger and wider than Veining tools. Whereas the deepest "U" shaped cutting edges are for roughing-out, the flatter the edge, the more the tool is used for smoothing and finishing. |  Straight Gouge/FluterFluters (firmers) are straight gouges, larger and wider than Veining tools. Whereas the deepest "U" shaped cutting edges are for roughing-out, the flatter the edge, the more the tool is used for smoothing and finishing. |
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 Straight Gouge/FluterFluters (firmers) are straight gouges, larger and wider than Veining tools. Whereas the deepest "U" shaped cutting edges are for roughing-out, the flatter the edge, the more the tool is used for smoothing and finishing. |  Fishtail GougeFish Tail Gouges resemble the tail-fin of a fish. Without interfering with nearby edges, this tool provides clean cuts in tight or sharp corners and may also serve somewhat like a straight gouge. Also available in chisel form. |
 Skew ChiselSkews are chisels whose straight cutting edge are ground at about a 45" angle and are excellent for cornering. They are available to skew-left or skew-right, depending on the type of cutting desired; and sweep is similar to straight chisels.Used for cleaned acute corners and undercutting material |  Straight Chisel (6mm)CHISELS have straight cutting edges occurring at 90" to the plane of the shank of the tool; their sweep ranges narrow to wide, and they are used for flat-cutting and finishing, as well as for sharp edges. Used for outlining image for relief carving. Finishing surfaces flat and cutting straight lines. |
 Straight Chisel (12mm)CHISELS have straight cutting edges occurring at 90" to the plane of the shank of the tool; their sweep ranges narrow to wide, and they are used for flat-cutting and finishing, as well as for sharp edges. Used for outlining image for relief carving. Finishing surfaces flat and cutting straight lines. |  Parting tool (45 degrees)PARTING TOOLS usually have either a 45" or 60" "V" shaped cutting edge. In this case it is 45 degrees Naturally, the smaller the "V" the narrower the cut. Used for outlining, roughing-out (undercutting), and finishing inside corners. |
 Parting Tool (60 degrees)PARTING TOOLS usually have either a 45" or 60" "V" shaped cutting edge. In this case its 60 degrees. Naturally, the smaller the "V" the narrower the cut. Used for outlining, roughing-out (undercutting), and finishing inside corners. |  Spoon GougeSpoon Gouges (short-bent gouges) have a straight shank with a concave "spoon-shaped" crook, or bend, at the cutting-end. The sweep may vary from narrow to wide, and from that of a parting tool to a veiner, straight gouge, chisel, or skew. Spoon gouges reach into roughed-out areas and hollows for the purpose of smoothing. |
 Long Bent GougeLong Bent Gouge or curved-fluters, correspond to straight gouges given a concave curve along the length of the whole shank of the tool. Used for such purposes as roughing-out or hollowing-out, areas where a normal gouge would not easily reach. |  Long-Bent ChiselsLong Bent chisels, correspond to straight chisels. Used for such purposes as roughing-out or hollowing-out, areas where a normal chisel would not easily reach. |
 Carvers MalletMallets are available in various types of construction, wood, and weight. Maple, Hickory, Boxwood are woods commonly used for Carvers Mallets. Mallets are usually hand-turned, and balanced. Many are solid-body construction, but some have separate, wedge-set handles. Smaller, lighter mallets are recommended for beginners. |
Manipulating the Carving Chisels:
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Heavy Cuts: Place index finger of strong hand on the top of the blade. Using your other hand grip the blade within a fist.
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Light Cuts: For lighter, more delicate cuts pinch the blade between to index finger and thumb of the weaker hand.
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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.
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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
 Cutting Knife |  Small Cutting Knife |
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 Long Cutting Knife |  Stab Knife |
 Stab Knife |  |
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.