When I started wood carving, I used to carve little wooden balls all the time and that’s also a good thing if you’re trying to learn how to make like faces or something out of wood
That’s such a great way to practice! Carving small wooden balls helps build your control and precision, which are key when working on more detailed projects like faces. It’s a simple but effective exercise to get comfortable with your tools and improve your technique. Plus, it’s fun! You’ll be amazed at how those skills translate to more complex carvings as you continue practicing. Keep it up!
We have different kits for beginners. You can choose the product depending on your purpose. You can see here: beavercrafttools.com/collections/wood-carving-tool-sets Or here: beavercrafttools.com/collections/diy-completed-kits
Great question! We recommend starting with a basic set of carving tools like a knife, a gouge (s15 would work perfectly), and a V-tool. If you're looking for high-quality tools, we suggest checking out our carving sets-they’re perfect for beginners and offer great value. Once you get comfortable, you can expand your collection based on the types of carving you want to explore. Let us know if you need any more guidance! beavercrafttools.com/?set=gshp
I started big. I found a tree that fell on the side of the road and threw big logs into my car to burn (by big logs I mean maybe 6ft long and 10inches thick), as im chopping them into smaller sections with my axe my friend comes over and points out its white oak. I say 🤷🏿♂️ okay, he explains is really good wood and asked if he could have some for a project. I said bud theres a whole tree down the road i can pick from. Take as much as you want. He made a really nice mirror frame out of it. I have been slow at it. Slowly shaving pieces off of it and chiseling away, trying to work with the natural flow of it or curves or whatever and trying to let that determine what the end image will be. Anyway, now i have this big piece (maybe 3 feet long and 6 inches around) of white oak that i now wanna turn into a dragon to hold my sword. I was gonna try and use the tip of a guitar pick to make my scales (like template it with a sharpie and then go to town) but i was wondering if there is a better method? Im not using any power tools though, i want to do it all by hand
What an awesome project! White oak is tough but perfect for a durable, detailed dragon. For the Scales: Your guitar pick idea is great! Trace the pattern and carve with a detail knife or V-gouge for depth. Consider making a simple jig for consistent scale sizes or freehand carve for a natural look. Tips for Carving Oak by Hand: Keep tools razor-sharp-oak is hard and demands precision. Work with the grain to avoid splintering. Take your time-patience pays off with oak. Finishing: Sand lightly to smooth edges and finish with oil or wax to protect and enhance the wood. Your dragon will be an incredible, handcrafted piece! Let us know how it goes!
Any recommendations for general hand/thumb health and mobility as a carver? I get tendinitis flare ups where my thumb and wrist comes together that make it impossible for me to carve.
Great question! Hand and thumb health is so important for carving. Try incorporating regular stretching and strengthening exercises, like opening and closing your hand slowly against resistance or stretching your thumb gently away from your palm. Taking breaks during carving sessions and maintaining a good grip technique can also help. You might also want to explore ergonomic carving tools to reduce strain. If the pain persists, definitely consult a specialist-your craft is important, but your health comes first! 💪🪵
Good question! We’re using cut-resistant gloves for safety and protective tape for extra grip and protection during detailed work. Stay safe while carving! 😊 beavercrafttools.com/products/nct6-cut-resistant-tape?set=gshp
For spoons-mugs and other things that come into contact with food, for figurines - wax, for example, the one we sell, is perfect beavercrafttools.com/products/w60-natural-beeswax-60g-21-oz
Carving knives are highly recommended as they're specifically designed for control and precision in wood carving. Pocketknives can work, but for the best experience, dedicated carving tools are a better choice 😊
For my first ever wood carving project I did I made a pair of chopsticks from some scrap wood in the garage. Don’t judge but I was very young and had no materials expect a random piece of wood I found on the ground, a chisel and a box cutter. The chopstick turned out ok and i sanded them and coated them with oil but they weren’t usable in the end because lots of tiny spinners kept poking out from them so I just used them for I a play structure I was going to bring in for the class hamster. (I was 12) Can any professional tell me were I went wrong besides having no experience and none of the tools k should have had. Pls
Oh no, that’s frustrating! 🫤 It might be the type of wood you used-softer woods like basswood or pine are easier to carve, especially for beginners. Also, make sure your tools are sharp for smoother cuts. Don’t give up-every project is a learning experience! 💪✨
Great advice! Starting big and simple gives plenty of space to refine your skills and build confidence. Perfect for beginners or trying out new designs!
Douglas fir can work fine for carving, but remember, carving is more about technique than just having more knives. The right tools make a difference, but skill is what really brings the art to life! 🪵✨
im a little silly fella and one time at my friends we tried making her wooden swords real weapons (big mistake) i ended up getting a tiny piece of wood in my eye (i got it out and im fine now (still havent told my parents))
Oh wow, that sounds like quite an adventure (and a bit of a close call)! Glad you’re okay now-wood in the eye is no joke! And hey, safety goggles are your best friend for stuff like this! 😉
i bought a regular piece of wood from hobby lobby and it felt i was trying to carve a rock with a butter knife...
Is your tool sharp? And try using pine as its cheap and soft
It is important that the tools are sharp!
When I started wood carving, I used to carve little wooden balls all the time and that’s also a good thing if you’re trying to learn how to make like faces or something out of wood
That’s such a great way to practice! Carving small wooden balls helps build your control and precision, which are key when working on more detailed projects like faces. It’s a simple but effective exercise to get comfortable with your tools and improve your technique. Plus, it’s fun! You’ll be amazed at how those skills translate to more complex carvings as you continue practicing. Keep it up!
What tools do you recommend for beginners think of as many as you can im really curious 🧐
We have different kits for beginners. You can choose the product depending on your purpose.
You can see here: beavercrafttools.com/collections/wood-carving-tool-sets
Or here: beavercrafttools.com/collections/diy-completed-kits
What tools or products should I buy?
Great question! We recommend starting with a basic set of carving tools like a knife, a gouge (s15 would work perfectly), and a V-tool. If you're looking for high-quality tools, we suggest checking out our carving sets-they’re perfect for beginners and offer great value. Once you get comfortable, you can expand your collection based on the types of carving you want to explore. Let us know if you need any more guidance! beavercrafttools.com/?set=gshp
I started big. I found a tree that fell on the side of the road and threw big logs into my car to burn (by big logs I mean maybe 6ft long and 10inches thick), as im chopping them into smaller sections with my axe my friend comes over and points out its white oak. I say 🤷🏿♂️ okay, he explains is really good wood and asked if he could have some for a project. I said bud theres a whole tree down the road i can pick from. Take as much as you want. He made a really nice mirror frame out of it. I have been slow at it. Slowly shaving pieces off of it and chiseling away, trying to work with the natural flow of it or curves or whatever and trying to let that determine what the end image will be. Anyway, now i have this big piece (maybe 3 feet long and 6 inches around) of white oak that i now wanna turn into a dragon to hold my sword. I was gonna try and use the tip of a guitar pick to make my scales (like template it with a sharpie and then go to town) but i was wondering if there is a better method? Im not using any power tools though, i want to do it all by hand
What an awesome project! White oak is tough but perfect for a durable, detailed dragon.
For the Scales:
Your guitar pick idea is great! Trace the pattern and carve with a detail knife or V-gouge for depth.
Consider making a simple jig for consistent scale sizes or freehand carve for a natural look.
Tips for Carving Oak by Hand:
Keep tools razor-sharp-oak is hard and demands precision.
Work with the grain to avoid splintering.
Take your time-patience pays off with oak.
Finishing:
Sand lightly to smooth edges and finish with oil or wax to protect and enhance the wood. Your dragon will be an incredible, handcrafted piece!
Let us know how it goes!
Any recommendations for general hand/thumb health and mobility as a carver? I get tendinitis flare ups where my thumb and wrist comes together that make it impossible for me to carve.
Great question! Hand and thumb health is so important for carving. Try incorporating regular stretching and strengthening exercises, like opening and closing your hand slowly against resistance or stretching your thumb gently away from your palm. Taking breaks during carving sessions and maintaining a good grip technique can also help. You might also want to explore ergonomic carving tools to reduce strain. If the pain persists, definitely consult a specialist-your craft is important, but your health comes first! 💪🪵
Ty bro!
What kind of gloves and tapes are you covering your hands with?
Good question! We’re using cut-resistant gloves for safety and protective tape for extra grip and protection during detailed work. Stay safe while carving! 😊 beavercrafttools.com/products/nct6-cut-resistant-tape?set=gshp
Thanks
Welcome!
If i make a spoon what oil do i have to use to make safe to eat with?
For spoons-mugs and other things that come into contact with food, for figurines - wax, for example, the one we sell, is perfect
beavercrafttools.com/products/w60-natural-beeswax-60g-21-oz
@@BeaverCraftTools thanks you
Can i use a pocketknife? I have a bunch that where my fathers. If i can use a pocketknife. What type of blade should it be?
Carving knives are highly recommended as they're specifically designed for control and precision in wood carving. Pocketknives can work, but for the best experience, dedicated carving tools are a better choice 😊
@ ok Thank you. I will look into a beginers set of carving knives.
For my first ever wood carving project I did I made a pair of chopsticks from some scrap wood in the garage. Don’t judge but I was very young and had no materials expect a random piece of wood I found on the ground, a chisel and a box cutter. The chopstick turned out ok and i sanded them and coated them with oil but they weren’t usable in the end because lots of tiny spinners kept poking out from them so I just used them for I a play structure I was going to bring in for the class hamster. (I was 12) Can any professional tell me were I went wrong besides having no experience and none of the tools k should have had. Pls
That sounds like a fun and creative first project! It's all about learning and experimenting!
I tried making a dagger but it broke on contact when i started carving
Oh no, that’s frustrating! 🫤 It might be the type of wood you used-softer woods like basswood or pine are easier to carve, especially for beginners. Also, make sure your tools are sharp for smoother cuts. Don’t give up-every project is a learning experience! 💪✨
What are the danger zones?
Near the fingers
Can you stain wood with blood?
Yes, I learned the bad way when I almost lost a finger yesterday for not using adecuate protection gloves
@@londo2344 im glad you're ok!
But I wonder how a whole piece would look fully stained in blood
Better take care of yourself and your fingers!
Me stupid who started from a random stick found on the ground and done with victorinox... gone quite well tbh but would be easyer like he did to do...
I would say go Big and simple becuse the bigger the more area you have to work on
Great advice! Starting big and simple gives plenty of space to refine your skills and build confidence. Perfect for beginners or trying out new designs!
Now hang on Dolguas fur is fine for carving, but the more knifes the better carving is.
Douglas fir can work fine for carving, but remember, carving is more about technique than just having more knives. The right tools make a difference, but skill is what really brings the art to life! 🪵✨
im a little silly fella and one time at my friends we tried making her wooden swords real weapons (big mistake) i ended up getting a tiny piece of wood in my eye (i got it out and im fine now (still havent told my parents))
Oh wow, that sounds like quite an adventure (and a bit of a close call)! Glad you’re okay now-wood in the eye is no joke! And hey, safety goggles are your best friend for stuff like this! 😉
@ lol yeah!! it was a while ago now and it was late so we just resorted to google and it worked !!
Can I become the new Ron Swanson??!! 😂😂
😁
@ yay ۶🥳 ٩
my question is, why did you choose to use a shoddy ai voice to narrate this video
How rude 😮