Everything You Need

To Become A Chainsaw Carver

Where to Start

Education - Introduction to Chainsaw Safety

DISCLAIMER:

Please do not start chainsaw carving until you have operational knowledge, safety training, and basic wood-cutting experience. Artist Jess Alice is not liable or responsible for any injury. Check with your local area for chainsaw safety classes, find professional assistance, and get supervised experience under your belt, before you begin making art with chainsaws. Chainsaws are dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury, and even death. Thank you.

Educational Resource:

Wood Relationships

Get to know your wood

Spend time around different varieties of wood and pay attention to its effect on you. Some people have an allergic reaction to certain trees. I personally don't handle Fur well; I know another carver allergic to Oak. Cedar and Redwood are also known to cause rashes, and respiratory issues. Hard woods are harder to carve than soft woods, learning the difference will also determine the tools you use and how many chains to have on hand. When starting, keep a journal and document your experience experimenting, record and fine tune your preferences and craft.

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 Safety Gear

Face Shield and Respirator

You'll want to cover your eyes, nose, mouth, ears, protect your lungs, hands and body in general.  Keeping sawdust and particles out of your body is key. Buildup will cause nasial issues, dry eyes, skin irritation and upper-respiratory congestion. All in one face shield/ respirators are an easy solution.

 

Ear Protection

 

Clothing

Proper clothing will ensure your body is protection against minor accidents and changing environmental conditions.

Gloves

Work Boots

Your feet are the foundation of your body, it's important to protect them and make sure you're comfortable all day long. Slip-resistant work boots that provide good support and can adjust to your work demands is an important investment.

Chain Saw Pro Vest 

 

Long-Sleeve Cut Resistance Shirt

Outfit option to keep you safe while chainsaw carving. This long-sleeve cut resistance shirt will give you a sense of added protection and reassurance that you are taking the necessary precautions to adhere to safety practices.

Cut Resistant Suspender Pants

Element Resistant Outdoor Work Jacket

Insulated Overalls

Stihl Safety Kit

I use Stihl products primarily in my business. They provide high quality and dependable tools that give me confidence I can get the job done. This Stihl safety kit is a good starter bundle for someone who doesn't want to hassle choosing individual pieces. 

Equipment & Tools

12" Echo Carving Chainsaw. Small

A compact, lightweight starter saw with a 12" carving bar will let you carve to your heart's content. This versatile saw might not take down big trees or handle your big block cuts, but it will be the mid-to-finish size chainsaw that you'll rely on most.

12" Chain for Echo Chainsaw   

 

Sharpening Kit

Always have enough sharpening kits around, one of the important details to your chainsaw carving creating. Keeping your chains sharp will ensure you're making safe and accurate cuts.

Husqvarna 24" Chainsaw

24" Husqvarna Chainsaw Chains

Bar and Chain Oil

Husqvarna XP+ 2 Stroke Oil

Find creative sources for your materials and cut costs where you can. I remember one weekend, I stopped at a yard sale, and they were selling an entire case of 2-stroke oil for cheap. I stocked up at a huge discount.

Gas Can

Goes hand in hand with your gas-powered chainsaw. Make sure you have the correct ratio mix for optimate performance and longevity.

Log Peavey

Jaw Horse

Grinder

Grinder Sanding Disks

Corded Power Drill

In the industry of chainsaw carving, power drills are used for a variety of reasons like drilling out the eye holes to put the black marbles in, and prepping swing bears, and wall signs.

Drill Bits

Paddle Bits for eyeballs

Eyeballs

One way to give the effect of eyes in your chainsaw carvings is by drilling out the holes and putting in black marbles. It instantly gives character and soul to the piece and brings them alive.

Marbles As Eyes

Propane Torch

For added detail, depth and color, before sealing a piece, burn it with a torch and darken all the creases to give a cool shadowing affect on your carvings

Air-Compressor

Between sanding your carving and burring with a torch for color. You need to blow off any sawdust particles because they are flammable. It's important you clean your workspace, your carving and yourself before using any open flame.

Air Nozzle for Compressor

Air Hose for Air Compressor

Back up Battery Power

Jackery backup battery power station has been one of my most used purchases for life and business. It's worth the investment to have in the house in case the power goes out, for camping trips, and for long car rides. Perfect for keeping your phone, tablet, and laptop charged while out on a job site, working a pop-up shop, or enjoying a day in the mountains, or on the beach.

Gas Power Generator

Power on the go, or on the job site, never worries about running out of electricity with a gas-powered generator that's strong enough to power your business needs. When traveling for Pop-Up-Shops, a generator is extremely useful for finishing work, and making sure our electronics and business devices have an additional backup source, so they are always transaction ready.

Extension Cord

Attach to your generator to have around the house for projects and emergencies. Heavy-duty extension cords are always good to have for business and life. Being able to have the air compressor, grinder, and drill hooked up and ready to go at all times, leads to more efficient work output.

Chainsaw Carving Exterior Sealer

This high gloss spar varnish is a great sealer for exterior chainsaw carvings. Like a deck and boat, it's always good to apply additional coats as needed seasonally. The more coats applied in the shorter time frame, the wetter the carving will look. Fading will occur over time depending on the exposure to the sun and harsh elements. This Varnish should be applied in a well-ventilated workspace, please follow proper application instructions, and wear appropriate safety gear.

Paint Brushes for Sealer

Now What?

Ready to Carve

When you begin chainsaw carving, don't rush the process, it's crucial you are mentally and physically focused and alert. Starting with basic shapes, I began with making mushrooms on bases. As shown in the photo above, having the base allowed me to carve with the log secured in a Jaw horse. I practiced cutting until I felt it resembled a mushroom. There was no pattern or direction, just my imagination, a few reference photos, and the patience to see it through. I then carved lots of mushrooms, until I felt comfortable and started getting more creative

Being a Carver

Have you ever wanted to learn how to paint with acrylics?

CHECK OUT MY BLOG:

Acrylic Painting - Supply List for Beginners

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Disclaimer:

Product links within Blogs may re-direct you to affiliated products, whereas Jess Alice earns commissions from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

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