Eight Letter Carving Tips for Beginners

Issue: Issue 209
Posted Date: 11/4/2008

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We asked techniques editor Linda Haus to try her hand at letter carving. After several attempts she came up with the following eight tips:

1.    Use proper carving tools: knives, gouges, etc.
2.    Keep your tools sharp: hone them constantly as you carve.
3.    Use a proper cutting angle.
4.    Don't carve too deep.
5.    Print out your words/phrases.
6.    Enlarge your printout on a copier. (This keeps the spacing correct).
7.    Use a wood species that is easy to carve, (like basswood, butternut or alder) or close-grained softwoods.
8.    Don't lose the big picture: strive for consistency in depth of cut and cutting angle on each and every letter.


Knife angle is the key to achieving uniform carved letters. About 65° is where you should start. Near perpendicular is most effective as you look at the side of the knife.		Securing your stock is an important task. You also need to be able to spin the stock around easily: it allows you to easily pull the cut towards you.
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Use spray adhesive to attach your pre-printed letters to the wood. Carve pulling towards you.	At the intersection of letter segments, end the transverse, ascending and descending forms in a uniform manner.	Remove the paper and sand the surface smooth. If you're painting the carved area, leave the paper on.
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