Carving chisels can be used in two ways: hand-manipulated or struck with a mallet.
Woodcarving chisels with straight cutting edges
Chisels that have a straight cutting edge (#1 sweep or #2 for a skew chisel) are used less frequently in woodcarving (compared to gouges) as their straight edges tend to dig into a piece of timber and they do not have the fluidity needed for cutting irregular shapes and curves. Straight-edged woodcarving chisels are, however, often used for defining straight lines and border work in relief carving.
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.
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.
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
Gouges are the real workhorses of the woodcarving world. They are the tools that are most frequently used whether you are sculpting or relief carving. The cutting edge of a gouge is curved (#3 to #11 sweep).
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.
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.
Indenting outlines
If you are outlining a shape or design into your workpiece, you will want to point your gouge directly downwards.
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
Parting tools (“V” gouges) are used to create channels and angled recesses. They are frequently used in bordering and letter work.
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.
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.
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.