Fairs are full of exhibits and one of the exhibits that may have been seen first hand was chainsaw carving. It is pretty amazing how someone can swing a saw and in a few hours an animal comes to life from within the wood. The experienced chainsaw handlers make it look easy like they are carving from butter and not from wood, but this skill was not learned overnight. This has been years of carving and piles of sawdust to get to where they are today.
If chainsaw carving has become an interest that one would like to try, there are a few things to keep in mind before running out and just buying a saw. Most of the carvers have more than one saw to use, including a saw with a smaller bar and chain so it is much easier to do detailed work. Each carver uses saws that are easy for them to handle and to fit their personal preference. Everything from the bar length to the weight is considered when choosing a saw to use.
Once an image is created in the carvers mind, they may use a regular saw to carve away the bulk to get to a blocky design. After they achieve that, then they will change to a smaller saw that gives a better curvature when cutting. This could be with either a gas powered chainsaw or an electric chainsaw, but the preferred choice is gas. The blades will differ, and each one will use what they think works best for them. A single-raker is used primarily to take away the bulk and then switched to a double-raker blade. The double-raker may be considered a safer blade to use, but don't be fooled, these can injury just as easily as any other blade out there and the blades must be kept sharp. Carvers prefer the smaller tips on the blades for a few reasons. Some believe they are easier to handle, are much better to use for the detailing process and the chances of the chain jumping when doing a curve is less likely.
Safety is always a priority anytime one is doing anything with machinery, including saws. Chips and dust will be going everywhere so safety glasses are a must. Long hair must be pulled back and out of the way. After holding the saw for awhile it will eventually cause fatigue. That's when it is time to stop and have a coffee break. It is an accident waiting to happen if one cuts when they are tired.
Other equipment that carvers use may include grinders, rasps, sanders, and rotary tools to get an even finer detail to the sculpture. Rotary tools are excellent for getting eyes detailed and giving more of a realistic look.
The wood can be from several different options. Some types of wood are harder than others and can make the saw kickback easier. A kickback is when a saw does just that, and kicks out of the wood. This can be dangerous and chainsaw operators should always be on guard. Nails are another thing to watch for too that can be a potential hazard. Carvers find what woods are readily available, but have carved pine, cedar and fir, with each wood having a different color and look when finished. Learning how to sculpture can be done from looking at plans and learning how to do specific cuts. After one has been chainsaw carving and getting more experience with each piece, they too will learn how to skilfully bring the wood to life.
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