The Art of Chainsaw Carving

Wood carving is one of the oldest crafts in the world and is both functional and artistically beautiful.
True chainsaw craftsmen make exquisite works of 3-dimensional art come to life. The amount of time and energy that goes into each piece is absolutely amazing. In order to learn the craft, artists often go to a special school where they can learn all of the tricks of the trade and how to perform cuts in an exquisite manner in order to show all of the delicate details of their piece of work. Carving with chainsaws is not something that just anyone can do without some specialized training. The training is necessary because of the dangerous nature of cutting with chainsaws.

The average chainsaw sculpture starts with a large block of wood. Oftentimes it looks just like it was just cut off the tree trunk and can be from a variety of types of trees such at pine, ash, alder, palm, elm and redwood. Some artists even go to a person’s yard and will create a work of art out of an old tree trunk that is still in place. Sculptors start their work with a chainsaw to create the basic shape and design of their artwork. Next, they switch to tools including smaller saws and chisels that can make more intricate designs and put all the detail work into the art.

Safety is the highest priority to craftsmen who use chainsaws. It is important to keep the sawdust out of the eyes, nose and mouth, so facial protection must always be worn. Earplugs should also be used so that prolonged use of the chainsaw does not affect one’s hearing. Gloves are also important protective gear. Protect the feet with sturdy, steel-toed shoes.

Creating a work of art with a chainsaw and piece of wood is a great way to show one’s personality and to create 3D art. The possibilities are endless when an artist starts working on a new piece. Many competitions and exhibitions have themes for the contestants to follow. The interpretation and creativity can lead the participants in many different directions.

Chainsaw art first was popular with the creation of totem poles, but today it has gone much further to include intricate designs of practically anything that can be imagined. Wherever there is an interest in this type of art, nearly any design can be created.

The Different Types of Wood For Carving
timber for carving
Once you’ve prepared the necessary equipment, it’s time to decide on the type of wood to use. Wood comes in different types of species and it’s crucial to understand their individual characteristics. Wood has unique texture and features that dictate how the wood will respond to your chainsaw and carving techniques.

Nearly every wood on earth can be used for carving, which gives you an unlimited number of options to choose from. Whatever type of wood you choose, it is essential that you purchase the wood from a wood supplier. Avoid using wood from your lumber pile or garage, particularly if you aren’t familiar with species of wood yet.

The design you do will influence the type of wood to use. So you should choose accordingly. Below are some of the more common options:

Basswood
Basswood is the wood of choice for most woodworkers. Although it is classified as a hardwood it is relatively soft and can be easily carved with a chainsaw.

It is a solid option for beginners because it excels at accepting and holding detail. Basswood blanks can be found easily, most carving suppliers offer them. However it is still one of the more expensive types of wood.

Overall, basswood is a great choice to start learning to carve on.

Walnut
Walnut is a popular choice. However, it is more expensive than basswood. It has rich color and grain which makes walnut desirable for furniture, especially when finished with a clear sealer or coating. It is a hardwood but not too hard to carve. Additionally, Walnut grows everywhere so it will be easier to purchase it.

mahogany
Mahogany, in general, is a reddish colored kind of wood with a distinctive grain pattern. It is popular in the Caribbean where it is grown on farms and cut for export. It is a strong lightweight wood with a relatively straight grain.

Overall, Mahogany, like walnut is not cheap and can easily be worked with chainsaws. However, mahogany can be a bit difficult to carve as it often features an inconsistent grain.

oak
Oak is one of the most popular woods for carving, with a range of qualities that make it ideal. It’s a heavy, strong, light colored hardwood. The grain of oak is considered very beautiful, and is recommended for making furniture and carvings.

cottonwood
Cottonwood claims 25 species around the world and has a distinctive white color that looks very attractive even when unpainted. It is a soft wood that is easy to carve. It is more commonly sold as a carving block than lumber. Cottonwood also costs less than basswood.

butternut
Also referred to as Juglans Cinerea, Butternut is also ideal for beginner wood carvers. It is taken from the butternut tree, which reaches a height of 100 feet and a diameter of 3 feet.

Butternut has many notable qualities for being such a soft wood. It is relatively lightweight, which makes it easy to work with. Butternut is related to walnut yet is lighter in color and more easily carved. It is browner than basswood and has a nice grain.

Woodcarvers use butternut because when it’s carved it features a beautiful color and grain pattern. Its straight grain and softness translate into easy carving. Overall, butternut lumber is affordable, beautiful and enjoyable to work with.

Chainsaw Wood Carving Tips & Tricks
Become familiar with the maintenance requirements and operating fundamentals of your chainsaw. The owner’s manual is a great start.

Chainsaws can be dangerous and the appropriate safety equipment is required when working with a chainsaw.

Always ensure that your chainsaw is sharp. Keep in mind that a dull chainsaw is more dangerous than a sharp one. You can sharpen it by yourself or have it done by a professional.

Prepare a variety of saws. You’ll probably need a bigger saw, in the beginning, to cut away larger chunks of wood. Then, change to a smaller saw or grinder for detailing.

General books on woodcarving are surprisingly helpful.

If you can’t design your own, you can buy carving plans and patterns on the web.

Consider attending a local carving event or working with a mentor to improve your carving. Gain experience and always ask questions, you will have a better idea of ​​what to buy and how to use them.

Starting with one of the woods above is ideal for beginners.

Practice on smaller pieces of wood. As a beginner, you should practice with smaller logs, 15-inches in diameter or less.

Consider using a 1/4-inches pitch carving chain on a dime or quarter tip carving bar.

Lastly, when working on the finer details, a compact workbench dust collector can be an invaluable tool. Snoring source notes that these machines work by pulling harmful airborne particles from the air and trapping them in a filter. This prevents you from breathing in small particles that can has serious respiratory issues.

Final Thoughts
Wood carving is one of the oldest crafts in the world and is both functional and artistically beautiful.