The workshop or Studio
In wood carving it is possible to improvise by making a small working area in the corner of a living-room, that is if space is limited.
If, on the other hand, you have a room or dry shed that can be used exclusively for carving, so much the better.
Unlike stone carving, which creates a great deal of dust, wood carving can be termed a 'clean' craft as the dust is negligible and the wood chips can easily be swept up and burned. It is only when carving is combined with general carpentry and joinery that the complete workshop is absolutely necessary.
For carving, the first requirement is a really strong bench or table (PLATE I). A carpenter's bench will serve, or a stout kitchen table.
If you use the latter, brace the legs with planks of wood at least 3 in. x 1 in., near floor level. Diagonal pieces can also be used for extra strength, but it may be best to get some advice first if you know nothing about carpentry.
An average bench for carving is 5 ft. in length, 2 ft. to 2 ft. 6 in. in width and 3 ft. to 3 ft. 6 in. in height.
Your own height should be considered. Working at a bench that is too low, carving can be a back-aching business. Arrange the height so that you can stand comfortably, or sit on a stool to work. It is advisable to have the bench top at least li in. to 2 in. thick.
The bench must stand firmly on the floor and not move about as you work. A flimsy structure is useless. The bench can be used against a wall or standing free so that you have access to all sides. It really depends on the size and type of work in hand.
Right-angled steel brackets can be used to anchor the bench to the wall or the floor. Place your bench in a good light as near a window as possible.
Continued...From the wonderful wood working book "Wood Carving" by Freda Skinner. We are in the process of placing most of the book here on our site. If your tired of reading it in pieces, send us a message on the contact page asking for the book and we'll send you a link for the entire book - free.
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