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Essential \Voodcarving Techkiques

Fig 2.24 Vaulter carued in cauilpa by Dick Oniatis. The strong markings of this ring-porous timber accentuate the movement. The strength of the grain rum along the potential weak arem ofleg and arm. The short grain in the supporting arm is confined to a smali area which is strengthened by the fixing pin that rum through it into the stone base.

poisoning of plants and unplcasanrness of application. However, the colour even of crcaied wood left cxposed to the weather gradually changes to a silvery grey. Varnishcs arc of only short lifc, and as the wood moves moisture generally gers trapped under them and rot or mould staining occurs. Paint hidcs the figurÄ™ of wood and can trap moisture in the same way. Danish and tung oils are besc for keeping colour but necd rccoating cvcry fcw years. Linsccd oil, whether raw or boiled, tends to attraci grimc when uscd out of doors and will go black.

Choosing Wood with Appropriate Strengths

When selecting timber for particular work the strengths have to be taken into account. Brittle or

crumbly woods are undesirable wherc sharp edges or chin forms are needed. A tough wood like ash is appropriate wherc thin forms have short grain in them {see Chapter 13). It is best to arrange for slcndcr forms to have long grain, that is, to have the grain running along them. It is not always possiblc to ensure this for all parts of a carving and risks may have to be taken (Fig 2.24), but the design can often be adjusted. It is sometimes necessary to add long, weak limbs, such as arms, not only for strength but also to make a sculpture larger than the availablc bÅ‚ock. When this is done a wood with either no figurÄ™, like limÄ™, or one with a wild figurÄ™, such as walnut, makes the join less obvious. The same is truć when you laminate pieces to make a large bÅ‚ock (Fig 2.25). Fudging joins with fillcrs can spoiÅ‚ a carving. Care has to be taken in the planning of any joints, as well as in the making of them, if they are not to be unsighdy.

Tf.sting Wood for its Suitability

Almost all woods are carvable, and your choice will be affected by the timc you are prepared to spend on a piece, the tools you have, the finished texture you want and the woods available. If you are in doubt the simplest test is to try a sharp knife or chisel on different aspects of the grain. Most woods work well along the grain. If wood is intrinsically soft or is diseased it will tear or crumblc when cut across the side grain. Cutting across the end grain is the best test. You should beware if it plueks and crumbles. Rotary machines and sandpaper may be the only way to carvc such wood. If you necd great effort to cut across end grain you will have to be prepared to spend a long time on carving. One consolation is that if you want to sand it, it will take far less time than a soft wood. It will also last better.

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