The Complete Book of Woodcarving: Everything You Need to Know to Master the Craft (Fox Chapel Publishing) Comprehensive Guide with Expert Instruction, 8 Beginner-Friendly Projects, and Over 350 Photos

I was taking a carving class and found this book great for filling in, and confirming the information I was getting. From sharpening your tools to how to hold the gouges for best results, this is s handy book. Also numerous projects are presented in different styles of carving. Illustrations are photos that show carving in action and the instructions that accompany are clear and easy to follow. Want to learn to carve? This is a good place to start.

Excellent for a beginner like me. I have hobby skills, but no carving skills. This book provided excellent advice to get me started. For instance: Do not but buy a kit of tools; buy these (specific) tools to get you started. Buy high quality tools. Buy and WEAR a safety glove....one has no idea how razor sharp these tools are ...and MUST be to enjoy carving. Species of wood to buy and carving characteristics. Carving methods. Sharpening methods. Finishing methods. And , of course, a few projects from extremely basic to hot shot.Know that this book is heavy in hand carving and light on rotary application.I complimented this books on wood chipping, and carving a Blue Teal. I had four projects of various skills going on at one time to keep my interest, apply new learning, and get instant gratification.Highly recommend the book.

Very helpful. Trying to understand all the tools is still tough. They tell you buy one tool at a time and not get a kit. While more expensive, buying a kit allows you to try out different tools.The other thing is carving is like being sculptor. I can see what Bernini did in his famous sculptors but what isn't clear is how did he know what to sculpt and what not to sculpt. Carving has many of the same characteristics. Donatello did some wood sculptors and the process was probably much the same when he used marble. Just different tools.The book can give you the basics but the person holding the tool determines how great the results will be. No book can do that.

I've bought many books on various styles of wood carving. This one has the very best descriptions and pictures regarding precisely how to sharpen the various carving knives, chisels and gouges and how to correct improperly sharpened V-tools and gouges. This alone was worth the purchase to me. There's a nice assortment of project plans with directions and patterns in the back covering several different styles of carving. I think this is a great book for both beginners and folks who've been carving who might want to check out other styles of the craft. The author covers in great and practical detail the tools and safety aids needed.

This book is well sub-titled: "Everything you need to know to master the craft". Because it's true. I can't think of anything overlooked, missed, or misrepresented. This book should almost be classified as an instruction manual/encyclopedia. I'm a beginning carver, and this had everything I wanted and needed to know. One more thing, it's exhaustive. It covers everything in quality detail and volume. The author didn't try to leave anything out here (unlike other unmentionable books I have looked at).6 Stars! Worth every last penny. I doubt you will find one used, because I'm sure other people are like me: I'll never be letting go of my copy.

I bought this as a gift for my husband and he is really enjoying it. He wants to take up wood carving as a new hobby and has found this book to be very informative for a beginner. It discusses the different types of carving, the tools and supplies needed, as well as methods, etc. these are just a few of the things he has commented on while reading the book. Although I have not read the book myself I will give it five stars based on his reaction.

I was expecting some patterns to be included but alas.....The book itself contains more information on tools, and maintenance than one will ever need to know. Maybe that's why they call it complete. It was interesting to look through but I'll never go back to it.

I bought this book as a gift for my husband to help him take up woodcarving. I have yet to find a better one. This book has great information for a beginner and I like the projects/patterns so much better than a lot of other books. It's also nice that it features projects from various styles/methods of carving and of various skill levels, so it really helps a beginner get a well rounded foundation and a taste for what they like as well as to progress in skill level.