A Quick Guide to Wood for Chainsaw Carving |
Posted: August 9, 2017 |
Art is one of the most enduring forms of creative and technical expression, and one of the most iconic forms of art is the sculpture. Since the dawn of modern man, artists all over the world have created an untold number of sculptures, utilising many methods and materials found in nature. One of these methods is wood carving. Many scholars posit that wood carving is one of the oldest forms of sculpture that is still in use today. Wood is plentiful in nature and is easy to source, which supports the notion that it predates or was developed around the same time as other plastic arts like pottery. The method is widely practised by most cultures and has been around as long as the modern man has been on this planet. Over the millennia, the art of wood carving has undergone many transformations and evolutions, and the practice still continues to this day. Most artists still prefer simple hand tools for wood carving due to their ease of use and affordability. The carving knife is the most basic wood carving tool and is available in a wide range of sizes to suit the artist's needs. Another popular tool is the carving gouge, used for scooping out areas of the wood. Artists also use the mallet and chisel for chipping away at the wood. These are just some of the hand tools that artists have used throughout the ages. While the underlying principles of wood carving are still the same, artists have taken advantage of new tools to change the way they create wood sculptures. One of these tools is the chainsaw. Chainsaws have been used to fell trees and cut branches. Artists have also used chainsaws to create beautiful wood sculptures. Chainsaw carving, as this method is known, has injected modernity into an otherwise ancient form of art. Many people consider chainsaw carving as one of the most exciting forms of art in the modern era. Chainsaws are easily available on the market (there are many kinds of chainsaws for sale online and at hardware stores), and more and more artists are now using the heavy tool to create amazing sculptures. CARVING WITH CHAINSAWS Basically, any kind of chainsaw can be used for chainsaw wood carving. An artist ideally has two chainsaws: A big chainsaw for cutting down the wood block to the desired size, and a smaller chainsaw and grinder for detailing and finer cuts. Chainsaws for sale are available in electric and petrol varieties, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. There is no perfect chainsaw for wood carving, but the best one is a chainsaw that feels good and safe while using it. A chainsaw is an extremely dangerous tool and choosing one that is too heavy or big for you to handle might result in disastrous consequences. WOOD FOR CARVING There are many kinds of wood available, and it is crucial for an artist to understand the characteristics and peculiarities of each type. The colours, textures and features which prescribe how the wood responds to cutting and carving differ from one type to another. Practically any type of wood can be used for carving, which gives artists a wide array to choose from. However, having a lot to choose from can also be overwhelming. Regardless of the type of wood you choose, it is important that you source your supply from a knowledgeable wood supplier or an arts and crafts store, especially if your knowledge of the different types of wood is limited. Your carving style and desired design will influence the wood type that is best to use for a particular project. Here are some of the most popular types of wood used for chainsaw carving. Butternut Butternut is a popular type of wood for beginner chainsaw carvers. The butternut tree, also known as Juglans cinerea, typically reach heights of 100 feet and diameters of 3 feet. Butternut wood is soft and relatively light, making them ideal to work with for beginner carvers. Many carvers choose butternut wood for the beautiful colour and grain pattern. Basswood Basswood is one of the most popular choices for woodcarvers. While basswood is classified as a hardwood, the wood is relatively soft and is easily carved with a chainsaw. It is also a good beginner wood type since basswood holds and retains detail beautifully, but it is also more expensive compared to butternut. Mahogany Mahogany is a popular wood for both furniture-making and wood carving. Mahogany wood is light with a relatively straight grain. It is reddish in colour and possesses a distinctive grain pattern. While chainsaws will find little resistance when cutting mahogany, the wood is expensive. It is also difficult to carve with since the grain tends to be inconsistent.
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