Chainsaw Carving How To
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HOW TO CHAINSAW CARVE....

If you're curious about how a chainsaw carving like the one you just adopted from Chisel Me Timbers was made, or if you're itching to try carving a piece of yard art yourself, you've come to the right place!

Nope, no fee, no need to register or join anything. The only thing we ask from you is that you please thoroughly read all the information and review Safety Gear, as well as chainsaw and finishing recommendations, before starting. And of course, to be very, very careful. Okay, that's two things.

On the navigation bar and at the end of this page (which you have read thoroughly, right?), you will find links to instructions for carving projects.

Stone Horizontal Divider



You Will Need....

  • SAFETY GEAR
  • Hunk of Wood or a Stump suitable for carving
  • A Stump of comfortable height on which to carve your project
  • SAFETY GEAR
  • Chainsaw (Gas-powered recommended)
  • Pattern (optional)
  • SAFETY GEAR
  • Marking Implements, Tape Measure, Carpenter's Square (optional),3-1/2" or longer Screws, Screwdriver, scrap wood Wedges
  • Grinder and/or Sander (optional) for fine detail, texturing, sanding rough spots
  • SAFETY GEAR
  • Blow Torch (optional) for burning off debris, adding color and texture, Stiff Brush
  • Finishing Materials (optional): Stain, Paint, Polyurethane or Spar Varnish, Thinner
  • First Aid Kit...Oh, and did we mention SAFETY GEAR? That, by the way, is NOT optional!

Stone Horizontal Divider

!!! WARNING !!!

Chainsaw carving is dangerous, and can result in serious injury. Do not use a chainsaw that is heavier than you can control. Do not carve when tired, or under the influence of medications or alcohol.

WEAR SAFETY GEAR AT ALL TIMES.

Check wood for metal nails, spikes, or bullets and discard if metal cannot be removed. Check your saw frequently for debris, oil, petrol (gas), loose chain, broken teeth, etc.

Stone Horizontal Divider

Stone Horizontal Divider




A Few Words About Wood...

Please do not cut a healthy tree for your project. Use fallen or logger-felled wood, or wood purchased from your lumber yard.

Chainsaw carving is best accomplished using soft woods, as they are easier to carve and will put a lot less wear and tear on your saw and you. Conifers (Pine trees) are ideal...however, Hemlock is a very stinky wood, smelling something like...well, trust us, it really, really, REALLY stinks. Deciduous woods such as Birch, Butternut, Maple and Aspen are also suitable. Walnut is a hard wood, and Oak about the hardest. Younger wood is generally easier to carve than dried or seasoned wood. However, too high a moisture content (as in freshly cut timber) is not good either.

Prior to carving, make a thorough examination of your wood, looking for bullet holes, nails, spikes, or other metals. On a de-barked piece, evidence of metal will be visible by concentrated gray streaks in the wood. If you find a piece of metal and cannot remove it, discard the wood. Metal in wood can be lethal to your chainsaw and to you (which is why Tree Spikers spike trees in an effort to discourage loggers from cutting them down).

For the projects here, we have used 6"x6" 'beams' that were rescued from a local sawmill's burn pile. These beams are also available from Home Depot, Lowe's, or your local lumber yard. Use untreated interior-grade beams. Alternately, you can use a stump and shear down four sides to square it off.


Okay, all set? You are ready to carve....

 

How to Chainsaw Carve a BEAR

Chisel Me Timbers Carving Home Page

 




WARNING! Chainsaw carving is dangerous, and can result in serious injury. Do not use a chainsaw heavier than you can control. Do not carve when tired, or under the influence of medications or alcohol. WEAR SAFETY GEAR AT ALL TIMES. Check your saw frequently for debris, oil, petrol (gas), loose chain, broken teeth, etc.