Woodcarving Safety

Woodcarving is a rewarding craft, but it requires attention to safety to prevent injuries. Here are some key tips for woodcarvers.

1. Tools and Equipment Safety

Sharp tools or safer:

Dull blades require more force and can slip. Keep all tools sharp and well maintained.

Use the Right Tool for the Job:

Avoid improvising with tools not designed for a specific task.

Inspect Tools Regularly:

Check for damage or wear, bent or chipped blades, cracked handles or loose parts.

2. Protective Gear

Carving Gloves:

Wear cut-resistant gloves, especially on your non-dominant hand, to protect against accidental slips.

Thumb Guards:

Use leather or rubber guards, or safety tape to shield your thumb.

Eye Protection:

Safety goggles or glasses protect your eyes from flying wood chips and dust.

Dust Mask:

When power carving, sanding or working with wood that produces fine particles, use a dust mask to avoid inhaling dust.

3. Work Environment

Proper Lighting:

Ensure your workspace is well-lit to clearly see your work piece and tools.

Stable Surface:

Work on a steady table or bench to avoid instability while carving.

Clear Workspace:

Keep your area free of clutter to reduce tripping or knocking over tools.

4. Safe Carving Techniques

Carve Away From Your Body:

Carve in a direction that moves the blade away from your hands and body.

Secure the Wood:

If the object is too large to hold securely in your hands, use a bench hook, clamp, or carving vice to stabilize the wood.

Small, Controlled Cuts:

Avoid deep or aggressive cuts to maintain control of the tool.

5. Wood Selection

Avoid Hazardous Woods:

Some woods, like yew or certain exotic varieties, can be toxic. Know the types of wood you’re working with.

Check for Defects:

Look for knots, cracks, or embedded debris like nails that could cause the tool to slip or break.

6. Health Considerations

Take Breaks:

Avoid fatigue, as it can lead to mistakes. Stretch your hands and fingers to prevent cramps. Stand up and stretch or take a little walk.

Ventilation:

Work in a well-ventilated area to reduce exposure to dust, and fumes from finishes and adhesives.

7. Emergency Preparedness

First Aid Kit:

Keep a first aid kit nearby, with bandages, antiseptic, and medical tape for minor cuts.

Know Emergency Contacts:

Be ready to seek professional help for serious injuries.

By following these safety guidelines, you can enjoy woodcarving while minimizing risks.

Reader’s Comments

My good friend, Jim Babcock, of Columbus, Indiana shared some helpful tips for new carvers. Jim writes:

“Bob:

As always, enjoy seeing each Wood Chip Chatter when they arrive. Your feature on why new carvers often quit is spot on and important to address. If they can find a mentor, that can be very helpful in learning tips and suggestions. Seems that there are less carving shows post covid, but an excellent way to find local clubs and meet good vendors. Online sources are endless and Wood Chip Chatter, of course. I always suggest to new carvers that they take an early carving and carve it again a year down the road, they see progress and can boost their confidence.

Jim Babcock Columbus, Indiana”

Those are excellent suggestions, Jim! Thank you for sharing!

I also received this great tip for new carvers from an unknown reader:

“Can’t agree more on the reasons for quitting. Folks ask me often about learning and always point them to chains, ball in a box, etc. Pick something that doesn’t need to look like a person or animal. Build those skills, make some mistakes, but also get some early wins on relatively easy yet complex looking projects.”

That’s a very good idea. Thanks for sharing!

Photo Shop

“Photo Shop” is the section of Wood Chip Chatter where carvers can send in photos of their wood carvings for display. It’s your chance to show off your work…sort of a show and tell. The photos will only be displayed and no comments or critiques will be made. For critiques on your carvings send them in to the “Carver’s Corner.” Send your photos to: carverbobk@woodchipchatter.com

My first entries to the Photo Shop come from my good friend, Kerem Kozak. Kerem writes:

“Hi Bob, here are a few carvings for you. I will send some more in subsequent weeks . Let me know if there is anything i else you need . Feel free to pick and use whichever pictures you like

Kind regards,

Kerem”

Great work, Kerem, and thanks for the photos! I like how your Polar Bear Swimmer can be displayed in two positions. Very cool idea.

My next Photo Shop entry comes from my good friend, Terry Grimm who writes:

“I started out whittling Billy Bob I saw in Mike Shipley’s “Whittling Country Folk” and the more I whittled the more he started to look like a farmer I knew, named Danny.

I added a hound that Gene Messer was so kind to share his pattern with me.”

Very nice work, Terry! Thank you for the photo.

I got a last minute entry from my good friend Laura Jane Aungst. Laura writes:

“Hey Bob

Here is the leprechaun I just carved up.

Laura Jane Aungst”

Nice job, Laura. Thank you for the photo. Always appreciated.

Woodcarving Tip

Safe Disposal Tip

If you use boiled linseed oil, polyurethane, stains, lacquers, or other varnishes on your wood carvings, their flammability hazard can be a problem. Used paper towels and rags need to be disposed of properly and safely.

Whether you live in an apartment, condo, or even a house and just don’t feel like running outside to the trash, put the used materials into a Ziploc bag filled with a bit of water until you’re ready to throw them away outside.

Pattern of the Month

American Kestrel

Upcoming Workshops

Cowboy with Bottle

Teacher: Dave Stetson

Dates: March 1,2,8,9,15,16 2025

Times: Sat, Sun – 9:30am-11:30 Pacific /11:30am-01:30pm Central / 12:30pm – 2:30pm Eastern

12 hours (6 sessions – 2 hours each day)

Location: Online (Via Zoom)

For details and to sign up email Dave lcnmichele@aol.com

Contact Dave

Ellender’s Window 10.5″

Teacher: Janet Cordell

Dates: May 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 2025

Times: 2-4 p.m. Pacific Time // 3-5 p.m. Mountain Time // 4-6 p.m. Central Time // 5-7 p.m. Eastern Time

12 hours ( 6 sessions – 2 hours each day)

Location: Online (Via Zoom)

Cost: $175 (includes one large roughout)

For details and to sign up email Janet janet_cordell@yahoo.com

Contact Janet

Online Classes With Chris Hammack

Teacher: Chris Hammack

Chris Hammack is offering a new series of online classes to help students learn and sharpen their woodcarving skills. Individual and Group Classes are available through his web site chrisham, mackart.com/groupclass

Twhitling Tuesdays

Teacher: Dwayne Gosnell

Dates: Two – 2 hour classes each month on Tuesdays

Location: Online (Via Zoom)

To sign up contact Dwayne Gosnell via email dagwood_76@gmail.com

Woodcarving Academy

Established in 2020, the Woodcarving Academy offers dozens of videos and seminars created by some of the country’s top level instructors. More videos are added regularly as they are created by the instructors.

With a paid subscription to the Woodcarving Academy you can view any videos you like for as many times as you like.

Subscription rates: Monthly = $19.95 Quarterly = $49.95 Annual = $139.95

There is even a Free level which allows you to tour the website and watch the sample videos and content, and receive email updates as new content becomes available.

Check out the Woodcarving Academy and learn with the masters right in the comfort of your own home! Go to: www.woodcarvingacademy.com or Email: support@woodcarvingacademy.com

News & Announcements

Some timely show information from my good friend, Jim Carlson from Boone, Iowa:

“Hi Bob,

For anyone who is looking for some great in-person classes in combination with a competition and show, plus some great vendors, I would like to recommend the International Woodcarvers Congress. A wide variety of classes are available from one day to five days. Living in Iowa, I am fortunate to be within 3 hours of the quaint small town of Macquoketa, but instructors and students attend in June every year from all around the USA. If you have any room, I will attach some information and registration forms for the Congress.

Jim Carlson

Boone, Iowa”

Cottonwood Bark Class

The Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Woodcarvers will be hosting Cottonwood Bark Carver Harold Kaltenbachon May 3rd and 4th in Suburban Philadelphia. If interested, contact Wade Huggins at 215-531-0238.

The International Association of Woodcarvers has upcoming Zoom meetings on the following Saturdays at 3PM EST with special guest presenters. Check them out…

Zoom: 310-460-3575

Presentation Schedule:

3/8 – Rod Gatlin

3/15 – Lancaster, PA Show (Live)

3/22 – Mike Bloomquist

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOODCARVERS

COME JOIN US!!!

The Jersey Hills Wood Carvers (JHWC) club is a small but growing group of wood carvers sharing their time, knowledge and joy of woodcarving. The JHWC generally meets from 7:00 PM EST to 9:00 PM EST on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of each month (when school is in session) at the Jefferson Township High School wood shop classroom.

Membership is “FREE” and open to anyone interested in woodcarving regardless of their ability.

JHWC’s Upcoming Meetings and Events

2025

March – 20th

April – 3rd, 24th

May – 1st, 15th, 29th

June – 5th

For more information contact:

Al Santucci alsantucci4@gmail.com President

Bill Brunner billbrunnerdesign@gmail.com newsletter/website editor

Or visit:

Website: https://www.jerseyhillswoodcarver.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/736479646821641/

5 Fast Questions

I encourage everyone to check out the new podcast series called “5 Fast Questions”, by Uncle Jack Carves (Jack Loring). In this series Jack presents a short (15 minute) interview with various (prominent) wood carvers where he asks 5 questions. These interviews are a great way to learn something about these carvers that you probably never knew. Go to Uncle Jack Carves and click on the “Live” tab. Thank you, Jack, for creating such an enlightening feature.

AML Wood Carving Knives

AML Wood Carving Knives are handmade by Andy Loughlin in Monroe, New York.

Each blade is meticulously crafted from 1095 high-carbon steel, ensuring easy sharpening and long-lasting edge retention. The diverse exotic woods used for the handle styles are sourced from around the world, adding a touch of elegance to these knives. You can find these exceptional knives for auction on eBay under ‘AML Knives,’ with bidding usually starting at $22 and most knives selling for between $40 and $100.

Unpack your AML Wood Carving Knife and experience its razor-sharpness right out of the package. Each knife comes with a custom-made magnetic wooden sheath, a thoughtful addition at no extra cost.

I now own three AML Knives and can speak personally about their quality. These are not production knives. Each knife is handmade by Andy himself. The knives are sturdy, well made, and will stack up to any other knife on the market. These knives have quickly become quite popular and sell out fast, so check the site (“AML Carving Knives” on EBAY) often for availability.

Andy has recently begun making knives with handles made from exotic woods and colored epoxy, creating some stunning and unique handle designs. Below are examples of some knives currently available or which have recently sold: