Hey folks! I just started woodcarving as a hobby to help with stress relief, and I'm working on a comfort bird. I'm having a tough time shaping its round head and could really use some advice. I seem to be getting more cuts on my hands than on the bird itself! Any tips or techniques would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Don’t forget to consider the wood grain direction when carving. Cutting with the grain vs against it can change how easily your knife slices through. Also, use sandpaper for final touches—you'd be surprised at how much it can smooth things out!
To really nail that round head, I suggest practicing on a piece of scrap wood until you get the hang of it. It's all about making lots of little cuts and working in circles around your piece. You'll need a sharp knife, so make sure to strop it often!
If you’ve got templates, that can help a lot! Draw them out first and use those as a guide. It'll make the shaping much easier. Plus, consider using a file to perfect those edges once you’re close to the shape you want.