How
to Carve Wood
A Book of Projects and Techniques
by
Richard Butz
Softcover
205 x 255mm
216pp
Published by Taunton Press, Newtown, USA
R.R.P.$24.90
ISBN 0-918804-20-5
As reviewed in The Australian Woodworker Issue 103
This title looks at wood carving with a much broader perspective. It discusses everything from workspace requirements to different carving techniques - with projects to practise in each style.
Information on tools and the workspace will help readers identify requirements for a workbench and hold-downs, different tools and their uses, and safe tool storage.
An examination of design principles demonstrates how to develop projects from patterns, create original ideas by modelling with clay, and how to use the effects of space, light and shadow.
Whittling projects include a miniature decoy duck, an adirondack hermit, a whittler's puzzle (pliers), and an adirondack guide complete with canoe.
The information on chip carving looks at the history of the craft, basic cuts, and design. Projects range from a match holder to a large range of carved rosettes (and the author details how to use them to decorate projects).
Relief carving techniques are explained - from setting in and grounding out, to modelling. A tudor rose, a baroque curve, a coat of arms, a St George and the Dragon shield, and an acanthus leaf are some of the project patterns provided.
In the section on wildlife carving, the author focuses on techniques for carving a chikadee, loon, river otter, an osprey and a great horned owl.
Other subjects covered by this book include carving recessed letters, intaglio and relief, and common architectural carving techniques - such as using planes to shape moldings, and chisels and gouges to shape berry, bead, intertwining ribbon, and modified egg or dart moldings. A detailed description of carving a linen fold panel is also included.
This vast array of projects will prove to be a great starting point for beginners, and an eye opener for more intermediate carvers.
Photos: Majority Black & White
Contents
Introduction
Tools and Work Space
Sharpening
Woods and Finishes
Design
Whittling
Chip Carving
Relief Carving
Wildlife Carving
Lettering
Architectural Carving
Bibliography
Index