| Wood As A Medium |
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Grain A person who begins woodcarving is challenged to learn to work with the fiber and grain. Hardness and fragility vary with the Species of wood. In general, wood tends to break in the "split direction," the direction in which the fibers separate. In the composition of work, one must work with and around this. Each direction of cut feels and works differently. Sharp tools are essential in allowing the artist's sense to shape the material. Planks of wood are said to be ''quarter-sawn'' when the Growth Rings are more or less at right angles to the thickness. If the growth rings are more parallel to the width, then the plank is said to be slab-cut. While slab-cut planks are seasoning, they tend to cup in a direction so as to "straighten" the growth rings. Seasoned wood never completely stabilizes, but continues to swell and shrink with seasonal humidity and temperature variations. Any design concept using wood must allow for the particulars of this dimensional variation. Warped wood may be described as bent, twisted, or cupped, or some combination of those modes. Species Here are just a few commonly used Hardwood and Softwood species; many more may be found in List Of Woods . Hardwood Each has its own character:
Softwood
Fastening and Joining See Woodworking Joints and Adhesives . Finishing The grain and figure of the wood interact with the shape of the piece to make interesting visual and tactile effects. The surface texture may be manipulated by sanding, scraping, scorching, weathering, or leaving it just as it came from the shaping. Processes such as sanding or rasping have one sort of effect, while cutting (planing, chiseling, gouging, or other carving) leaves the surface with a distinctively clear and fresh appearance, particularly if the tool is well-sharpened. Some finishing processes may leave a Corduroy effect, where the lines of harder Late Wood contrast with the often paler, softer, Early Wood . Each tool used to shape wood usually leaves a signature, or distinctive set of marks. For example, it is easy to tell a cut made by a Band Saw from that of a Circular Saw or a Hand Saw . If a smooth surface is desired, then Planes , Scrapers , or Sandpaper are useful for "erasing" toolmarks. Sometimes it is more interesting to leave the tool marks showing. Some centuries-old Violin scrolls, for instance, still carry the tool marks of the master that made them, working rapidly and efficiently. The texture and appearance of wood grain may be enhanced and preserved by the use of an appropriate coating process, either transparent, such as Varnish or opaque, like Paint . The finish coats may also help seal the surface, reducing the adverse effects of humidity or sunlight. Other pieces may benefit from the use of unsealed, weathered material such as barn wood or Driftwood . Tools and Sharpening Working With Wood has a lot to do with "cutting away the stuff that doesn't look like the object in mind." Saws , Rasps , Chisels , Gouges and Knives are all useful, and must be Sharp to work effectively and safely. Dull tools are actually more dangerous than sharp ones; the excessive force needed by a dull edge can lead to slips and injury. Carvers, professional and hobbyist There is a substantial network of hobbyists and professionals involved in Woodcarving . EXTERNAL LINKS
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