Wood Carving Basics: A Step-by-Step Guide to Essential Techniques, Tool Care, and Classic Projects

by David Sabol

Carving is an area of woodworking that has wide appeal and can start as simply as whittling figures with a pocket knife. Since the cost of entry is so low, many people are willing to give it a try. But some people are put off by the conflicting information about what tools to buy, how to sharpen them, and by the bewildering range of carving styles. This book, with its common-sense approach to tools and sharpening, and its broad survey of the many styles is the perfect introduction for the novice carver. The projects will help the beginner become familiar with the tools and learn skills while trying a variety of carving styles to see which suits him best. The projects range from the traditional to the contemporary and reflect the tastes of today's woodcarvers.

Genres: Woodwork, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2008

Reviews

[Serge Pierro · Rating 4 out of 5]

For someone who is interested in Wood Carving, but doesn't know where to start, "Wood Carving Basics" by David Sabol is an excellent place to begin.

The book starts off with the basics of woods, tools and sharpening. Each of these topics are nicely covered and are profusely illustrated with relevant photos. Then the main body of instruction commences. The approach taken by Sabol is to show different types of approaches and then walking the student through each one with excellent step by step instruction, with a focus on specifics techniques. Styles covered are: Relief Carving, Chip Carving, Sign Carving, Decoy Carving and more. There is also a section on finishing and painting.

After reading through the book, you will have a better understanding of the artform itself, as well as which avenue you might be interested in pursuing. For me, it was the chapters on Relief Carving that drew most of my interest.

[Joshua Mesloh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to woodworking. I primarily used and will use it for its descriptions and instruction on the types of wood to use, some essential tools, and most importantly instruction on how to sharpen one's knives and chisels. Without a sharp knife, the only thing you will do is cut yourself. The book is filled with pictures to go along with the instructions. Drawing inspiration from the book, I plan to attempt chip-carving geometric designs and relief carving after I sharpen my tools.
If you plan on getting into carving, I would recommend at least referencing the first part of this book or finding something else like it.

[JL · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a good deal of information for beginners.

[Simon Yoong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book with good diagrams. could do with more exercises though.

[Andy Nordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the book a lot. The designs and instructions were great. For anyone wanting to leaern wood carving this book is a must read. thanks andy