Carving Block Wood | A Guide to whittling wood blocks

Last updated on December 14th, 2022 at 03:12 pm

Whittling wood blocks

So you think carving block wood is easy? Most of us do not use log wood, but it’s still fun to carve something out of it. You can use it as personal decoration or for commercial purposes. Some people like to make shelves to hang on the wall, while others like to make chairs. People also like to make cabinets, tables and beds out of it.

Selecting a carving block

Large blocks that do not split are hard to come by. However, that does not mean they are impossible to find. That is why most large carvings are from glue-ups. Some are almost that large at a source for decoy carving, but the head is glued onto the block. 

You can glue up several 3-inch thicknesses of basswood to get the size block you need for a pattern. There is not much to be done to the wood since it is already smooth. 

Amongst other glues, you can use, Titebond wood glue works better. Trace the pattern onto the wood, and cut it out with the bandsaw to your preferred size. Smear it all up, place the wood pieces together and secure it perfectly.  Let it sit overnight, and remove the clamps the next day. 

Before you glue up wood, ensure it is about the same moisture content percentage, preventing it from splitting later. Before you glue the pieces together, make sure they are planed. The process requires a bandsaw to rough cut the item. 

For glue, using the Elmers Carpentry glue makes the project bearable and accurate. It gives your item an off-yellow appearance. If you get it at Menards in gallon jugs, it lasts forever. Your material is not easily affected by freezing, even if it gets to -40 in the winter. 

You can get your wood in the native country since you can have up to  204 acres. Basswood trees give you a big block that is hard to get but in local sawmills. Get the wood from Amazon.com, Woodcraft.com, eBay, and Etsy. 

Woodcraft gives you various carving stocks for all your carving needs. The species range from basswood and butternut to tupelo. Look out for the best deals on eBay since there are always promotions. These websites provide the finest hardwood lumber to all types of woodworkers, from beginners getting started with the craft to long-time users.

What tools to use to carve

Speedball Linoleum Cutter

The Speedball Linoleum Cutter is a simple, versatile, affordable tool under 10. It is also dependable and comfortable and works with six interchangeable blades stored in the plastic handle. 

Speedball Linoleum Carving Tools

The tools come with metal blades that you replace when blunt. When they get dull, sharpen them many times before recycling them. Endless hobby and art shops sell their models of this tool, although some are of inferior quality. It ranges from 1 to 2 depending on the quality and features.

Power Grip Carving Tools

Power Grip carving tools are simple and come with steel blades that you sharpen using a water stone when dull. It fits nicely, and you can use a range of U and V gouges, a small straight chisel, and a skew knife. 

Deluxe Block Printing Tools

These are at 15 or more for each gouge or knife. Although these tools last a long time, they need periodic sharpening. They carve smoothly, with less effort, when sharp—buying as a set saves money. Before investing in a set, try buying or borrowing one tool to see how you like it. 

Pfeil Palm Carving Tools

Pfeil palm carving tools are high-quality wood and linoleum tools with wooden mushroom or pear-shaped handles. Handles sit in the palm of your hand comfortably.

Flexcut Carving Tools

These tools have wooden handles that fit in the palm and are in the middle price range. They allow you to work with interchangeable blades.

Designing a carving

Make a collection of different carving designs and choose one. If you dislike the ready-made ones, you can draft your own. Sketch paper, paying attention to the details of your item. You are allowed to amend as time goes on. If you are not good at drawing, trace the design using a picture. Follow the trace lines with a marker and cut them out. Place it on your wood, trace it out, and cut when satisfied. 

Preparing the block wood

The wood used for the carving blocks has received treatment and kiln dry, making it perfect for carving. This listing is for a bag of 4 wood blanks with a template cut made by hand out of basswood. You can have the paper design provided for each blank. 

Preparing the block wood starts with choosing the best block wood. A photo of the design helps you with the carving block with ease.  Make sure each block has a number on it based on carving difficulty. Start with number 1, and continue until the last one, number 4. Use the thick continuous lines to do the first cuts.

For beginners, basswood should be an ideal option. It is the most popular whitening block game. Wood carving blocks also meet the needs of both professionals and beginners. Amongst the items you can make is a beautiful bird you can make from the unfinished blocks. Buying a Beaver Basswood Block Kit saves you time and energy. 

The wood carving block set has the smoothest surface and a suitable size for your wood carving projects. Get a wooden block set with four small carving blocks and one large wooden block. These linden wood blocks make 100 beautiful masterpieces, making them an economic block of wood. Linden wood is a functional woodblock set that makes any item of your choice.

You must know which whitening wood is good and which white wood does not meet your needs. If you are not sure, contact the manufacturer. You do not waste time and resources using the wrong wood. Make sure that you get the eBooks and that you have one whenever you are working. 

Make sure you get excellent basswood here on any site of your choice as you buy it in one click and have it delivered to your doorstep. Our whitening kit offers relaxation and meditation. Consider a good quality woodblock whitening kit for beginners and professionals. 

Linden wood blocks are ideal for users who are bleaching wood. When buying the woodblock, make sure you have a money-back guarantee. Basswood may not be your favorite; move to other options, such as oak.

Steps involved in carving a block of wood

1. Gather the necessary tools, including a mallet, chisels, a saw, and sandpaper.
2. The type of wood determines the size and shape of the block.
3. Sketch the design onto the surface of the block with a pencil.
4. Use the saw to cut the block into the desired shape and size.
5. Use the chisels to remove excess wood and cut out the details of the design.
6. Sand the surface of the wood to smooth out rough spots and ensure an even finish.
7. Apply a finish to the wood, such as a clear coat or sealer, to protect it and enhance its natural beauty.
8. Sit back and admire your work of art!

Some ideas for finishes

There are two types of finishes, surface film-forming and penetrating. Surface finishes include oil-modified urethane, polyurethane, polyacrylic, conversion varnish, water-based urethane, spar varnish, lacquer, shellac, and aluminum oxide. Penetrating finishes include raw tung oil, boiled linseed oil, teak oil, Danish oil, wood stains, waxes, hard wax oils, mineral oil, and other products labeled as oil.

Differentiating between surface and penetrating finishes helps you see how they interact with a non-porous surface, like glass. Film-forming finishes dry into hard coatings, and penetrating finishes sit on the surface and dry into soft films. 

Since penetrating finishes do not dry well into hard films, there is a wipe-off excess step in the instructions to ensure you do not have excess product left on the surface—the difference between the two lies in the final appearance. 

Film-forming coatings form one continuous layer over the surface, giving the wood surface a more finished look. They make a thin film on the surface. It looks like a second layer on the surface of the wood and looks more polished. In contrast, penetrating oils will have a more unfinished look since they are below the surface. Choose one that suits your needs and project.