How to Use Wood Carving Tools
Begin with a block or two of wood that you can practice making cuts on. Softer woods like balsa, pine, or basswood are easier to carve and work with. Harder woods like oak are much more difficult and sometimes break around the edges when attempting finer details.
It is always helpful to have a clean and functional workspace when beginning any project. Make sure you have plenty of room to work, all the tools you may need are within easy reach, and every blade is sharp.
Safety goggles are a great way to protect your eyes from stray wood chips that fly unexpectedly toward your face when carving.
It is also important to protect your hands with Kevlar work gloves. If you switch hands when carving, wear gloves on both hands; otherwise, be sure that at least the hand holding the woodblock is protected.
Carefully carve a piece of wood out of a corner of your block, completing the cut completely to avoid breaking off more of the wood, and look for the dark lines of the grain.