5.1 Wood selection, properties, and preparation

Wood selection is crucial in sculpture. Different types offer unique properties, from dense hardwoods to lighter softwoods. Choosing the right wood impacts carving ease, durability, and final aesthetics.

Proper preparation sets the stage for successful carving. Understanding grain direction is key, affecting tool selection and carving techniques. Working with the grain produces smoother cuts, while carving against it requires extra care to avoid splitting.

Wood Properties and Selection

Characteristics of carvable woods

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Top images from around the web for Characteristics of carvable woods

• 

  Variegation | Northern hardwood forest near Fritz Run, State… | Flickr View original

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• 

  Softwood - Wikipedia View original

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• 

  Texas Has Man-Made Wood of 251 million years ago. | Last edi… | Flickr View original

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• 

  Variegation | Northern hardwood forest near Fritz Run, State… | Flickr View original

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  Softwood - Wikipedia View original

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• Hardwoods denser, durable, often with prominent grain (oak, maple, walnut)
• Softwoods lighter, easier to carve, more prone to splintering (pine, cedar)
• Exotic woods offer unique properties stable, weather-resistant, rich colors (mahogany, teak)

Wood selection for sculptures

• Size considerations large sculptures use lighter woods (pine, basswood) small pieces use hardwoods for detail
• Grain patterns straight for clean lines figured for decorative effects
• Color choices light woods (maple, birch) for painting dark woods (walnut, mahogany) for natural finish
• Hardness factors soft woods suit beginners and quick projects hard woods allow intricate details and durability

Wood Preparation and Grain Analysis

Preparation of wood blocks

1. Cut using appropriate saws for rough shaping and chisels for finer details
2. Smooth with wood rasps initially then sand with progressively finer grits
3. Secure by clamping to workbench or using carving vises for smaller pieces
4. Seal end grain with wood sealer to prevent cracking
5. Create stable base by attaching wood block to larger foundation

Wood grain impact on carving

• Identification look for visible lines on surface feel for texture differences when rubbing
• Carving with grain reduces tear-out and splintering produces smoother cuts
• Carving against grain increases difficulty and splitting risk may be necessary for certain details
• Grain patterns straight easiest to carve wavy or interlocked more challenging
• Tool selection use sharper tools for difficult grain patterns
• Finishing effects grain direction influences sanding and polishing results