I'm really interested in starting wood carving, but I have rheumatoid arthritis, which makes fine motor tasks a bit tricky for me. Sometimes my joints lock up when I grip things, so I'm hoping that might actually help in some way. Has anyone else had similar experiences with wood carving despite having arthritis? I'm also considering using a dremel tool to lessen the strain on my hands. I've read beginners' guides, and they seem like a great resource, but I'm pretty new to electric tools apart from drills. Are they hard to use? Is there a steep learning curve? I definitely plan to wear proper safety gear. My goal is to create small sculptures, like little birds, and hopefully work my way up to something bigger like a small ship. Any advice would be really appreciated!
3 Answers
At 70, I've got arthritis in both hands, and I can still manage with palm chisels and a Dremel. Knife work is tough for me now, but power tools like the Dremel make it manageable. You can definitely carve great pieces even with arthritis; it just takes finding the right tools and techniques that work for you!
I've been carving for a while with arthritis, and I stick to softer woods like hinoki. I mainly do mask carving and woodblock prints. I’m very careful with the woods I select, avoiding knots and taking my time. Keeping my tools sharp is super helpful too. I prefer tools that are easier to hold, and I often use a grip style similar to holding a pencil. I also wear hand braces to stabilize my grip, and a small mallet can ease the strain if you have a good technique. Just take it slow and listen to your body!
I started using a dremel when I was 10, and trust me, it's not scary! The learning curve isn't steep at all. Just grab some carving burrs from brands like King Arthur or Kutzall; they’re gentler than the regular steel ones you find at stores. Plus, using a dremel is easier on your hands compared to traditional tools. Make sure to look into vises for holding your work securely. It can be tough when your hands get tired, balancing both the tool and the piece you're working on, so a good clamping system will make it way easier!