The first step into a new craft can be overwhelming: Where to start? What tools to buy? What projects to begin with? Thanks to author and internationally acclaimed woodcarver Chris Pye, this guide is filled with everything a beginning woodcarver needs to know. Chris Pye's Woodcarving Course & Reference Manual is akin to having a one-on-one course with a master carver. You'll learn what to look for in a workbench, the importance of commissioning your carving tools – there's more to it than just sharpening! – and how to make exacting cuts and execute a variety of techniques. Like any good instructor, Pye includes practice exercises to make you comfortable with the tools and techniques so you can build your skills and carve with confidence. Pye's conversational teaching style will encourage you as you follow the step-by-step instructions and work on a number of motifs, as well as projects for low, high, and pierced relief, and in-the-round. With the help of Chris Pye, you'll learn to carve: four types of molding, a beautiful koi project in three levels of relief carving, a realistic baseball cap in-the-round, and a charming wren in-the-round.

"This first volume deals with the selection, sharpening and maintenance of woodcarving tools."--Back cover.

Jam-packed with information about the fundamentals of woodcarving, this illustrated guide covers all you need to know about the tools of the trade. Filled with nearly 700 photos and drawings, each page features detailed information on everything from basic tools to safety tips. Experienced craftsmen and novices alike will find the guide handy.

This one-of-a-kind book from master carver Chris Pye illustrates how simple carved elements can beautify turned and woodworking projects. With expert tips and techniques that will expand your crafting talents, Pye provides all the carving basics needed to add lettering, decorative marks, piercing, and relief carving to bowls, plates, furniture, and so much more.

Whether you're a woodcarver expanding your talents, a seasoned carver refining your skills, or a beginner newly introduced to this fulfilling craft, this is the only carving book you need. Brimming with expert instruction and 8 attractive step-by-step woodcarving projects, you'll learn all the classic carving styles and techniques along with the fundamentals of wood and tool selection, sharpening, creating a workspace, and finishing your completed work. Also included is a complete chapter on power carving.

Sound, technical advice is the first order of business in this collection of several excellent articles and 24 projects from Woodcarving magazine. Far from being just a selection of patterns, this guide reviews the fundamentals of the craft and is addressed to carvers of all skill levels. Special attention is paid to the finicky V-tool, which suffers from a reputation for being difficult to use, and carvers are also instructed on how to sharpen tools properly, choose the perfect wood, apply a variety of finishes, and work with gold leaf. The projects include pineapple finials, decorative moldings, and signs with carved lettering; challenging advanced work is to be found in plans for an eagle-decorated lectern and a seated Buddha. Color photos illustrate the step-by-step directions for all projects, and sidebars offer tips for success. Chris Pye is a professional woodcarver and a member of the Master Carvers Association. He is the author of Elements of Woodcarving and Woodcarving: Tools, Materials & Equipment.