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The Complete Book of Woodcarving

Everything You Need to Know to Master the Craft

Published by Fox Chapel
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

From making the first cut to applying the finish, this comprehensive resource covers every aspect of woodcarving. Everything is here for the beginning or advanced woodcarver, from choosing the appropriate wood; setting up a shop, selecting, using, and sharpening tools; and performing all the fundamental techniques, such as the push cut, pull cut, stop cut, and slicing cut. Every general carving style -- from classical to whimsical to rustic -- are detailed, as are the basic steps of power carving. Eight projects designed to help newer woodcarvers build proficiency are included along with the plans for the rocking horse featured on the cover. Best of all, a handy resource section and a glossary round out this fully illustrated, must-have resource for all woodcarvers.

About The Author

Everett Ellenwood is an award-winning carver, specializing in carving realistic human faces. A number of his carvings have won “Best of Show” awards and many have been published in various wood carving magazines. Everett has been a woodcarver for over 40 years and for the past 30 years he has taught all levels of carving from beginners to advanced throughout the United States.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Fox Chapel (June 16, 2008)
  • Length: 288 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781565232921

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Raves and Reviews

It was just like Christmas at our house last Saturday when your package arrived! What a wonderful book. This book is an amazing wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in woodcarving. Congratulations on a job well done!

Thank your for producing such a wonderful course of instructions - I would be lost without it!!!

I receive your book yesterday, it is wonderful. Every carver should have one. What a help it would be to a new carver getting started. It is so inclusive that it is great even for us "old carvers". I look forward to many happy hours with it.

Received your book yesterday, and want to thank you so much for the very high quality book that you have published. It is quality from front to back cover, and will be a great resource along with your DVD's, which I use frequently. Look forward to your second book.

Thank you for taking the time and effort to write such a good book on woodcarving!

Thanks for a lovely book! Done in your unique style. It is beautiful and so full of information. We both treasure it.

Over the years I have acquired many books relating to woodcarving. This book of yours is one of the best.

Received my copy today and wanted to congratulate you on and excellent book with great information! I also want to compliment you on the book's high quality and fantastic production values. You should be proud and just reiterates to me the high standard you set. I had started your stylized cat from looking at your videos and pictures on your website, but couldn't really find any frontal views. So you can imagine I was very pleased to see it in the book! Guess I had better get back to work on it! Thanks again for a great publication.

Learning the art of carving is not as daunting a task as it might seem, with the help of a comprehensive new reference from one of America's premier artists and carving instructors, Everett Ellenwood. The Complete Book of Woodcarving is a testimony of the author's 40 years of carving experience, including his practical advice, expert techniques, and valuable tips. Such relevant, useful information can be applied immediately for improvements to the work of carvers at all skill levels. Beginners will learn how to use tools like an expert, as well as what to look for when buying wood. Even carvers who have been making wood chips for years will find new techniques for sharpening tools, power carving, properly using finishes, and more. Everyone can benefit from the tool practice chapter, which includes knife control and making complex cuts. Every carving style is covered, from chip to relief. Pages are fully illustrated with examples of world class carvings, while nine classic projects lead readers from start to finish, including a stylized bird, chip carving, flower relief carving and more.

If there is one book that encompasses all a beginner needs to know about woodcarving in a simple and clear way, then it's this volume from Everett Ellenwood.

This book is perfect for any woodworker looking to expand their talents, a seasoned carver refining their skills, or a beginner newly introduced to this fulfilling craft. Brimming with expert instruction and nine attractive projects, the book will teach you a variety of classic carving styles and techniques along with the fundamentals of wood and tool selection, sharpening, creating a workspace, and finishing your completed work.

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