Lumber Production

Lumber Production Lumber is the product of the sawmill and ordinarily is not manufactured further than by sawing.  It is produced in varying sizes, the usual approximate dimensions being about 3/4″-4″(2–10 cm) in thickness, about 3″ (8 cm) and greater in width, and about 6′-20′ (2–6 meters) in length.  The conversion of logs to lumber involves breakingContinue reading “Lumber Production”

Wood Knots

As a tree grows, lower branches often die, and their bases may become overgrown and enclosed by subsequent layers of trunk wood, forming a type of imperfection known as a knot.  The dead branch may not be attached to the trunk wood except at its base, and can drop out after the tree has beenContinue reading “Wood Knots”

Six Reasons Why New Carvers Quit

Six Reasons Why New Carvers Quit 1. Using dull tools           Working with dull tools is one of the most common mistakes new wood carvers make.  Using a dull carving tool can not only be frustrating, but it can also be dangerous.  Dull tools require more pressure to be applied to them, which can causeContinue reading “Six Reasons Why New Carvers Quit”

How-To Book of Christmas Carving

How-To Book of Christmas Carving By The Editors Of Woodcarving Illustrated A Book Review “How-To Book of Christmas Carving” is undoubtedly one of the best books on the subject that I have ever seen. This 144-page full-color paperback book, released in the summer of 2023, is published by Fox Chapel Publishing, the publisher of theContinue reading “How-To Book of Christmas Carving”

Halloween, Jack-O-Lanterns & Wood Spirits

Due to technical difficulties experienced yesterday, Wood Chip Chatter is being published a day late. I apologize for any inconvenience. This month (October) is my annual Halloween Special issue where I’ll be telling some Halloween and Wood Spirit stories.  Long-time subscribers may have seen a couple of these but I’m posting them again for theContinue reading “Halloween, Jack-O-Lanterns & Wood Spirits”

Wood Properties of Black Walnut

WALNUT, BLACK Juglans nigra (Juglans – the classical Latin name for walnut, meaning Jupiter’s nut; nigra – black) Black walnut has long been considered one of the most desirable woods of this country, not only because of the beautiful wood of various figures that the tree produces, but also for the food value in theContinue reading “Wood Properties of Black Walnut”

“2024 Woodcarving Shows & Events”

Remaining Woodcarving Shows & Events for 2024 The following is a list of the remaining woodcarving shows & events for 2024.  Get out and look for one near you! July 8-12 – Ellensburg, Washington. Northwest Carving Academy at Kittitas Valley Event Center; 10 carving instructors (see website http://www.nwcarvingacademy.com). Email Terry: tbmoss@msn.com. July 13-19 – Creede,Continue reading ““2024 Woodcarving Shows & Events””

21 Tips for a Rotary Tool

21 Tips For a Rotary Tool by Doug North 1. Choosing a Rotary Tool: Try to choose one that has at least two speeds — more if possible.  Depending on the material to be cut, different bits will work best at specific speeds. 2. Wear Eye Protection: Because of the extremely high speed at whichContinue reading “21 Tips for a Rotary Tool”

Carve an Americana Goose Egg

The patriotic holidays will soon be upon us so I thought this is a good time to present a carving project to help celebrate the occasions. I designed my Americana Goose Egg to be a simple project that can be completed in a short time with very few tools.  A carving knife and V-tool areContinue reading “Carve an Americana Goose Egg”

Walnut Oil – Questions & Answers

I’ve been advocating the use of walnut oil on your wood carvings for quite awhile.  Most people are not as familiar with walnut oil as they are with its combustible counterpart, boiled linseed oil.  Here, then are some questions and answers about the use and qualities of walnut oil you might find helpful. Walnut OilContinue reading “Walnut Oil – Questions & Answers”