How to Carve with a Chainsaw
Chainsaw carving can be a very fulfilling and rewarding activity. However, chainsaws are not meant primarily for wood carving but is purposely a very destructive cutting tool. Therefore, chainsaw carving should be for serious practitioners only and ought not to be taken lightly. Accidents with the chainsaw can occur and may lead to serious injury and may result in fatalities.
Precautions
Beginners should never take on a chainsaw carving project unaccompanied. However, companions should not distract the beginning artisan while working with the chainsaw.
Choose a chainsaw you can handle comfortably. If available, get one that is designed specifically for carving which usually have guide bars with narrower tips than standard chainsaw blades. The chainsaw should not be too heavy; neither should it feel too lightweight to the wielder.
Draw your design for reference. This will help you keep aware at the delicate task of operating the chainsaw. Later on, as you master the craft, you would be able to visualize the design without the need for a reference aid.
Practice on simple shapes and designs first. With consistent practice, you will become familiar with your equipment and the characteristics of different wood. This in turn will allow you to tackle more complex designs in the future with better success.
Materials and Equipment
- Chainsaw
- Safety helmet
- Safety goggles or face shielding
- Protective gloves and clothing (i.e. chaps)
- Boots (preferably steel-toe boots)
- Chalk or pen markers
- Ground stakes or sandbags
- Woodcarving knives and chisels
- Wood grade sandpaper
- Wood Oil
Instructions
- Secure the log. Most wood pieces used in chainsaw carving are still stumps rooted to the ground. For unbound logs, wedge it firmly using ground stakes or sandbags.
- Mark the wood based on your design. Examine the natural grain of the wood and try to work your design to flow accordingly.
- When carving, make sure you are in a stable stance. Carve out the rough shape of the design first but not too deep. Work successively in sections.
- As you work, pare down the shape further to achieve a cut closer to your desired design. The skill is essentially like whittling a large log with a power tool. Observe the wood for cracking and splitting and try to avoid further damaging those areas.
- Detail work is done with woodcarving knives and chisels. Cracks can be remedied by wood slivers wedged and glued onto the cracks then sanded down. Commercial wood fillers may also be used.
- When done, most finished carvings are simply sanded down and applied an oil finish. You may also apply a layer or two of sanding sealer and optionally a coat of clear urethane finish.
This guide on how to carve with a chainsaw is meant to provide only a very basic knowledge of the procedure involved. Before engaging in any actual chainsaw carving, one must first acquire adequate training and proficiency in handling a chainsaw. For this reason, there are woodwork guilds in many localities that conduct hands-on learning in the art and craft of chainsaw carving. Lastly, always take all necessary precautions and safety measures before pursuing your chainsaw carving projects.
