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How to use woodcarving chisels?

How to use woodcarving chisels

Shop for Wood Carving Chisels

Chisel, wood, carving, woodcarving, whittling, carpentry, joinery, woodworking, timber, tools, chisel blade, handle, hardwood, gouge, spoon gouge, edge tools, WONKEE DONKEE, DIY, Boys and Boden &, How to use a, carving tools Carving chisels can be used in two ways: hand-manipulated or struck with a mallet.

Woodcarving chisels with straight cutting edges

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Step 1 – Hold chisel correctly

A chisel should be held like you were holding a dagger though lower down on the handle so that you cover part of the blade with your hand.

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Step 2 – Align cutting edge

If you have marked out your design (very much advised) then align the cutting edge of your chisel with your marking. Raise or lower the angle of your chisel depending on whether you are indenting a border or removing material.

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Step 3 – Apply force

Tap the butt of your chisel with a mallet to make a cut in your workpiece. (For very intricate detailing you can simply hand-manipulate your chisel).

Gouges

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Step 1 – Hold gouge correctly

If you are hand-manipulating your gouge then you will be holding it with both hands. If you are tapping it with a mallet, hold it with your non-dominant hand. Select the correct hold for your needs. See How to hold a woodcarving chisel for more information.

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Step 2 – Align cutting edge

Place the sharp cutting edge of your gouge at the place where you want to start carving. Raise or lower the angle of the gouge depending on whether you want a short or long cut.

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Indenting outlines

If you are outlining a shape or design into your workpiece, you will want to point your gouge directly downwards.

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Step 3 – Apply force

The force that causes the gouge to cut into your workpiece can either be applied with a mallet strike or simply hand-manipulated and, depending on the angle of your tool, will remove a long sliver or a small chip of material.

Parting tools

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Step 1 – Hold parting tool correctly

As with the chisels and gouges, parting tools can be struck with a mallet or simply hand-manipulated. Hold your chisel in the correct position depending on your needs – see How to hold a woodcarving chisel for more information.

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Step 2 – Align cutting edge

Align the cutting edge of your parting tool with your guideline. The tip of the “V” on the gouge’s cutting edge is where you should start your cut.

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Step 3 – Apply force

Push forward with your dominant hand on the butt of the gouge whilst your non-dominant hand controls the blade. Alternatively, tap with a mallet to make a cut into your workpiece.

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