Author Archives: carverbobk

Wood Properties of Basswood

While doing some research I discovered an exceptional resource which provides information on everything you ever wanted to know about 80 different species of woods.  The information covers everything from things like carvability and density to stainablity and the size of the knots. I was so impressed by the mass of information available on theseContinue reading “Wood Properties of Basswood”

Whittling The Old Sea Captain

“Whittling The Old Sea Captain and Crew” by Mike Shipley A Book Review “Whittling The Old Sea Captain and Crew” is a delightful wood carving book written by Mike Shipley.  Mike, who is a noted wood carver is also, and perhaps more well known as a knife maker.  His top notch OCCT line of knivesContinue reading “Whittling The Old Sea Captain”

The Scroll Saw

Today I thought we would learn a little something about Scroll Saws…not owning one it’s a topic I personally knew very little about until I did some research on them.  We have discussed scroll saws a bit here in past blogs and I’m sure there are many carvers out there who use them.  I’m hopingContinue reading “The Scroll Saw”

Woodcarving Suppliers

A couple of weeks ago I decided to put together a list of suppliers as a reference for anyone looking to purchase woodcarving supplies.  The following list of suppliers is a compilation of my own list plus some contributions from some of you.  These suppliers carry anything from knives and gouges to accessories and wood,Continue reading “Woodcarving Suppliers”

Carving Figure Caricatures in the Ozark Style

“CARVING FIGURE CARICATURES in the Ozark Style“ by Harold L. Enlow A Book Review “CARVING FIGURE CARICATURES in the Ozark Style” is just one of many excellent woodcarving books written by noted wood carver and instructor Harold L. Enlow.  Published by Dover Publications Inc. in 1975 this 39 page paperback book contains 22 drawings andContinue reading “Carving Figure Caricatures in the Ozark Style”

WOOD CARVING

WOOD CARVING “WOOD SELECTION” The nature of the wood being carved limits the scope of the carver in that wood is anisotropic and not equally strong in all directions.  The direction in which wood is strongest is called the “Grain” (wood grain may be straight, interlocked, wavy, fiddleback, etc.).  For strength purposes it is always wiseContinue reading “WOOD CARVING”

Carving Caricature Busts

“Carving Caricature Busts” by W. “Pete” LeClair A Book Review “Carving Caricature Busts” is the latest of three excellent woodcarving books written by noted wood carver and instructor Pete LeClair.  Published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd. this 80 page paperback book containing over 350 color photographs takes the carver from start to finish with carving aContinue reading “Carving Caricature Busts”

A Final Word About Wooden Spoons

The intricately carved wooden lovespoon has traditionally been used as a token of affection in Wales. Each spoon could contain different meanings as shown by the use of various symbols, for instance: a chain would mean a wish to be together forever; a diamond would mean wealth or good fortune; a cross would mean faith; a flower wouldContinue reading “A Final Word About Wooden Spoons”

Wood Hardness Ratings

The Janka hardwood rating test is a test that determines the hardness of a piece of wood (used mostly to determine the hardness of flooring planks).  Quite often the hardness of a piece of wood relates directly with its density.  Wood carvers, however, can use the Janka hardwood ratings to compare one type of carvingContinue reading “Wood Hardness Ratings”