All About Oaxaca Wood Carvings

One of the hottest new trends today in the world of investment grade art, is Oaxaca wood carvings. Delicately carved, sanded and painted sculptures made from the wood of the Copal tree that flourishes in the hillsides of the Oaxaca Valley of Southern Mexico.

A Way of Life for Generations

Carving with basic tools has been a way of life for generations in this isolated region of the planet where things like childrens toys and home decorations were always whittled from the soft Copal wood. However; beginning in the early seventies, a new far more progressive art style began to evolve.

A New Style of Oaxaca Wood Carvings Evolved

A few talented wood carvers with names like Manual Jimenez began to create experimental brightly colored animated and expressive works that were painted in bright bold colors. Over time, as these artists worked in their isolated villages, a complete new style of sculpture evolved.

Wide Recognition North of the Border

Of course it wasn't long until occasional travelers who happened to venture off the beaten path began to come across and become smitten by Oaxaca wood carvings. However; it would take a couple of decades more before they would begin to receive wider recognition north of the border.

Quirky Whimsical and Often Comical

As it stands today, these quirky, whimsical and often comical wooden sculptures are sought after by avid collectors around the globe and especially in the US, Canada and Europe. The result of this uptick in popularity, is that today demand often outstrips supply. Particularly with regards to high end creations of the most notable artists.

Proving to be a Viable Art Investment

Oaxaca wood carvings have also proven to be a viable investment, as an art niche market. Also unlike other styles of investment grade art and sculpture that require large amounts of money to get started in, these works are actually quite affordable.

Sharpening Wood Carving Tools

Sharpening carving tools is an essential step in carving. A sharp carving tool works better because it slices through the wood easier, making it safer and quicker to use. It, also, leaves a cleaner path behind. A good sharp edge means less effort, which means less force. When less force is needed, more control is possible, making the work safer.

There are many methods of sharpening carving tools from power grinders to wetstones to sandpaper and finally the strop. The most inexpensive method is using a couple of grades of sandpaper and a strop.

How much sharpening is needed depends on how damaged the edge of the blade is. If damaged or dull, you will need to use a 400 grit sandpaper laid on a flat surface such as the edge of the table. Place the blade edge down and drag it across the wet surface of the paper at an eleven degree angle. One way of finding an approximate eleven degree angle is to use either a nickel or a dime beneath the spine of the blade.

If your carving blade is three quarters of and inch in width or more, lay your blade flat on the sharpening surface and raise the spine of the blade until you can fit the edge of a nickel under it. If it is less than three quarters of an inch, use a dime.

Drag the edge along the wet sandpaper surface until all the nicks are gone and you have a smooth edge. Then do the same thing using a 600 grit wet sandpaper.

Finish by loading your leather (strop) up with your white aluminum oxide to the point that it won't absorb any more compound. You can use some light oil to help create a paste-like consistency. Make sure you wipe your blade clean of any sandpaper residue with a cloth. You don't want to get any grit on your strop. Then drag your knife edge along the strop at the same 11 degree angle, and continue equally on both sides, sharpening until you get a mirrored edge.

You can test the sharp edge by taking your knife and carving across the end grain of a piece of carving wood. You should see a smooth shiny surface and the end grain clearly. If you see a white line in your slice, you have a nick in your edge. You need to go back and start the process over. Once you have the edge you like on your knife, all you should have to do is strop about every fifteen minutes and protect your edge when you're not using your knife.

Woodworking Books - Why Use Them?

If you are interested woodworking, then you will be interested in buying woodworking books, to further your knowledge and skills. Then all you need to do is simply log on to your computer and visit websites that can give you a list of woodworking books. Through these websites you can do your online shopping, check reviews, plus home delivery makes it so much more convenient to do this.

Woodworking books show you how to revamp your home using your woodworking skills. If you have any queries regarding your project then you can always refer back to your purchased book. Even professionals, use books as a standard reference.

You will get professional advice in these books, on a large variety of woodworking topics. They are written by professionals who have years of experience in the industry. So if you are a woodworker but you do not have the required knowledge about finishing your project, then you can refer to your book. Carpenters working on any wooden furniture will often find a problem at some point. And that is the time they take help from a joinery book.

Woodworking books will show you the techniques that are used to create a lasting and a beautiful wooden products. Your furniture will be durable if the joints are well made. These books will explain to you in detail, how you can create sturdy and long lasting joints. These books also pass along the secrets and tips of the experienced craftsman, that you will require to make perfect furniture.

They also provide you with up to date information on machinery that used when making your project. Cutting tools need be used correctly. An incorrect cut will damage and weaken any furniture you make. These books tell you the techniques of using any specialized tools that you will need. Woodworking books give professional advice about consistently creating identical furniture using templates.

If crafter's want to hone their skills for there various projects, then they will need the help of these woodworking books. Your project may range from making special bowls and boxes to toys and hat stands. Whatever your project, there will be a book available to you, that can really help you get the best results.

These books will also teach you how to use wood carving tools efficiently and in the correct manner. They will also tell you how to easily make the most fundamental wood carving cuts such as stabbing, running, sweeping and sliding using woodworking tools.

If you wish to develop the skills of molding and shaping a wooden products, then you should read a wood turning book. They can also provide you with the knowledge that enhance your existing skills and hone them to perfection.

So as you can now see, purchasing woodworking books is a absolute must, if you are to increase your knowledge skills to become the expert craftsman you desire to be.