To answer to the question: What "tools" do you need to carve something out of wood can require both thought and experience. What follows is a rather unconventional list of the carving "tools" you will need to get started carving as either a hobby or as a part-time business.
Tool #(1): An ability to carefully see, that is, observe all of the details of the bird or animal you intend to make into a woodcarving.
Tool #(2): The willingness to do the necessary research to learn as many details, such as habitat, about the item you want to carve.
Tool # 3: The patience to follow-through and complete the carving project until it is done to your satisfaction.
Tool #4: Actual hand held tools you will use should include some or all of the following: a book or two about "how to carve." A set of wood carving knives and chisels. An electric (Dremel, or Foredom) rotary carving tool with a wide variety of carving bits. A small electric band saw and a tool for drilling holes (table mounted electric drill press or small electric hand drill). A set of acrylic paints and paint brushes. A shop vacuum to remove carving dust.
When I started carving a few years ago, I began with a knife and gradually moved from carving everything by hand to the much faster and better way of carving called: electric rotary carving.
In order to become a better wood carver I subscribed to a couple of wood carving magazines. Those magazines became very much like another tool for me because the articles in them actually helped to teach me how and what to carve. They were also a rich source of reference for patterns, raw wood, carving books and other equipment needed for successful carving.
As you do more and more carving, the better your carvings will become because you will find that each new carving project presents you with a new set of learning challenges. There could be an unnoticed knot or blemish in the wood that you have to learn to work around. You have to think about how to place the bird's eyes and feet so they look balanced and as natural as possible.
Because most finished carvings are mounted on a stand or pedestal, you have to learn to design a wide variety of suitable mountings. When the actual woodcarving is done, then you have to learn how to use acrylic paints to make your carving as attractive as possible.
Summary: Before you pick up a carving knife or one of the electric rotary carving tools be sure to educate yourself about wood carving by reading as many books and magazine articles as you can. Then begin with a plan to carve something simple and easy and gradually move up to more and more complicated projects. Wood carving requires: study, thought, planning and much patience in order to achieve a carving you will be proud to put on a shelf and say: " I carved that all by myself! Would you like me to teach you how to carve?"
By Terry L. Weber
P.S. On my website you can see pictures of a few of my carvings such as: a Flying Osprey, Mallard ducks, and many other kinds of mirror-mounted shorebirds and figures.
http://www.originalsbyweber.com
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