Complete Starter Guide to Whittling

Synopsis

You can whittle just about anything-the only limit is your imagination. It's so easy to get started in this relaxing and rewarding hobby. All you need is a knife, a twig, and this book! We've assembled a team of 12 leading woodcarvers to bring you a complete starter guide to whittling. They present 24 easy whittling projects that you can make in just a weekend, complete with step-by-step instructions, how-to photographs, ready-to-carve patterns, and helpful tips. Start off with fast and fun projects that build confidence and teach fundamental carving techniques, like a simple flying propeller or a 5-minute owl. Then move on to create whittled wonders like a musical frog or a slingshot. We show you how to whittle complex designs in easy steps, so that you'll soon be carving attention-getting favorites like chain links or the classic ball-in-a-cage.

Summary

Chapter 1: Getting Started

* Introduction: Importance and benefits of whittling
* Materials: Choosing the right wood and knives
* Safety Precautions: Proper handling and techniques

Example: Selecting softwood like basswood or pine for beginners, using a sharp pocket knife with a locking blade.

Chapter 2: Basic Cuts and Techniques

* Straight Cuts: Push and pull cuts for clean lines
* Curved Cuts: Rocking the knife for smooth curves
* Gouging: Using a hook knife to remove material
* Shaping: Refining shapes using detail knives

Example: Practicing straight cuts on a scrap piece of wood, carving a curved handle for a spoon using a rocking motion.

Chapter 3: Carving Simple Projects

* Beginner Projects: Keychains, whistles, and spoons
* Planning and Layout: Marking designs and shaping ideas
* Finishing: Smoothing and polishing the finished piece

Example: Carving a simple spoon out of a piece of basswood, shaping the handle and hollowing the bowl.

Chapter 4: Intermediate Projects

* Complex Objects: Animals, figurines, and tools
* Carving in the Round: Shaping objects from all sides
* Jointing and Assembly: Joining carved pieces together

Example: Carving a small wooden animal figure, cutting out the body, legs, and tail, and assembling them using glue.

Chapter 5: Advanced Techniques

* Decorative Carving: Relief and intaglio techniques
* Pyrography: Burning designs into wood
* Wood Spirit Carving: Creating intricate figures with a rotary tool

Example: Carving a decorative border on a wooden box, using a pyrography pen to add details like shading and patterns.

Chapter 6: Troubleshooting and Refinement

* Common Mistakes: Identifying and correcting errors
* Sharpening and Maintenance: Keeping knives sharp
* Finishing and Protection: Staining, varnishing, and preserving projects

Example: Fixing a crooked cut by using a detail knife to refine the shape, sharpening a knife using a whetstone or honing rod, and applying a clear varnish to protect the finished spoon.