{"id":814,"date":"2020-10-01T10:52:57","date_gmt":"2020-10-01T07:52:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/woodiswood.com\/?p=814"},"modified":"2022-09-07T12:01:08","modified_gmt":"2022-09-07T09:01:08","slug":"all-7-cuts-to-master-in-wood-carving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/woodiswood.com\/all-7-cuts-to-master-in-wood-carving\/","title":{"rendered":"All 7 Cuts to Master in Wood Carving"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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One hobby\/profession that never really fades is that of woodworking. Whether you\u2019re whittling away at a piece of wood as you wait in line at the grocery store, or working hard in a dedicated workspace, woodworking is one of those trades where your creativity and technical mastery can come together to create something great. But first, you need to learn the basics, which start with the cuts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are seven types of cuts worth mastering in woodcarving; while seven may seem like a lot to master, each one has a general and specific use that makes certain woodcarving projects easier to do. Some cuts may even be combined with one another to increase the effectiveness of both. In the remainder of this article, we\u2019ll discuss how to perform each of these cuts in detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The V-Cut<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The V-Cut may be the most used cut in woodcarving. It involves taking your knife and making a cut at a 45-degree angle, then performing another 45-degree angled cut directly below the original. Make sure to cut up<\/strong> into<\/strong> the original cut so that a V<\/strong> is formed in the wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip: To keep these V-Cuts consistent, try and visualize where precisely the top cut ends.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

This technique is generally combined with the Thumb Push Cut for the added control it provides. It has a variety of purposes when woodcarving or whittling. It can be used to form the faces or features of figurines or could be a connection point for two pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Sweeping Cut<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Sweeping Cut is nearly always done at the edges of the wood you\u2019re using. It involves combining the Thumb Push Cut technique with a sweeping <\/strong>motion of the wrist. It is typically done at the edges of the wood to avoid running into the wood\u2019s grain, which could alter the path of the blade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When carving, this cut can be utilized to create an accentuated curve within a piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Stop Cut<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Stop Cut involves cutting into your wood in a straight line and then stopping<\/strong>. After this initial straight cut, you take your blade and cut up to your original cut using either a Sweeping Cut or a V-Cut technique. The wood shaving show makes an audible pop and will fall or be easily pushed away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This cut allows for sharp, near ninety-degree angles. Practical applications could include the creation of a forehead beneath a top hat or at the bottom of a pointed nose in figurines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pyramid Cut<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A Pyramid Cut involves cutting into the wood in the shape of a triangle. When the wood is removed, a small pyramid is formed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Generally, it is a good idea to start by physically drawing a triangle on the piece of wood you\u2019re using.<\/li>
  2. Switch your grip on your knife to a pencil grip.<\/li>
  3. At the corner of the triangle you drew, push the tip of your knife into the wood. Softly trace the line down to the next point.<\/li>
  4. Repeat this until each of the three lines are cut. The pyramid should generally be relatively easy to remove at this point.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    The Pyramid Cut is used to add definition to carvings. Deep-set eyes and noses are popular formations of this cut when carving wooden figurines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Paring Cut (Thumb Brace Cut)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The Paring Cut has been likened to peeling potatoes. With one hand, you will hold the wood you\u2019re going to carve. With your other hand\u2014your knife hand\u2014you are going cut towards the thumb pad of your knife-hand. This cut is also known as the Thumb Brace Cut.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is a basic cut that is familiar to most; however, you sacrifice both power and control as you use one hand to hold the wood. Nonetheless, this cut is typically one of the easiest to master because most people already have some experience with it through its variety of uses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The technique is generally used toward the edges of the wood. It is used to reduce the dimensions of the surface to make it more manageable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Push Cut<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The Push Cut involves removing rough excess wood from the piece you\u2019re working with. You simply hold the blade in one hand while holding the wood in the other. With your knife hand, push the sharp edge away from your body to remove excess or unwanted wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This cut doesn\u2019t take much to master; it simply involves pushing the blade away from your body in a controlled manner. However, these cuts are generally made in rapid succession to one another, as the detail isn\u2019t the goal of this cut. But, if detail does become the carver\u2019s aim, then this technique should not be used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Most carvers will use this cut when the Paring Cut isn\u2019t feasible due to the distance one would need to move the blade towards the thumb. This cut is another way for a carpenter to reduce the dimensions of the wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s worth noting that this technique is not meant for detail. It also shouldn\u2019t be used to make deep cuts, as the grains of the wood could potentially turn the blade inward towards the carver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Thumb Push Cut<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The Thumb Push Cut is more of a technique that can be combined with other cuts to increase the power and control of a cut. The Thumb Push Cut is utilized by holding your carving knife in one hand. With the thumb of your other hand, press the back of the blade into the wood. This adds pressure and strength to the cut, which in turn grants more control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Any time you are pushing your blade away from your body and have adequate access to your opposite hand\u2019s thumb, it is generally a good idea to utilize this technique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Thumb Push Cut is like the standard Push Cut, with the main difference lying in the goal of the cut. While a regular push cut is simply to cut off excess wood while not requiring an abundance of control, the Thumb Push Cut lays on the opposite side of that spectrum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It actually adds to the control of a cut while simultaneously increasing your overall power, making a great addition to cuts that require an element of pushing the blade away from your body if the need for control is present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Tips for Mastering Wood Cuts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    The following are a few general tips to keep in mind to ensure you can successfully master the cuts described above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n