Below are several examples of wood carving, using different woods in different situations. Additional examples may be found throughout this site, for instance, on my black cherry rocker.
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Wood carving and furniture carving
Wood carving or hand carving may serve simply to enhance a piece, such as the black walnut leaf on the arm of the Morris chair or the rifle stock below, or may be a major component of the pieces itself, such as the black walnut claw and ball legs also shown below. Moreover, a well designed and executed hand-carving proclaims the uniqueness and custom qualities of any piece.
Carved black walnut oak leaf and rough sketch
Black walnut leaf on the arm of a black cherry Bow Arm Morris Chair. This particular carving was done over a decade ago. When people sit in the chair they consciously and unconsciously touch, stroke and rub the leaf which has given it a warm patina of age.
The dark square next to the leaf is the end of a "through" tenon from the leg of the chair. Also shown on the drawing.
Carved relief on curly maple gunstock
This percussion rifle gunstock has a rather ornate carving in relief and incised. The carving itself reaches a height of only 1/8 of an inch but gives the illusion of much greater depth. The metal "card" that I am holding is a scraper which was used in the long past when the only sandpaper available was sharkskin. The scraper is often used by top furniture craftsmen because unlike sandpaper which scratches the wood no matter how fine the grit, scrapers actually cut the fibers of the wood leaving a smoother surface which cannot be obtained any other way.
Sequence indicating how carved clawfoot leg evolves and fits into its pedestal under the coffee table
1. This is a variation on the traditional clawfoot and ball table. In this image the clawing has just been "roughed out" and is ready for more work and detailing.
This image (including my daughter's small hand) provides some scale.
2. The detail carving has almost been completed and the leg is ready for scraping. The leg rests against its pedestal. It will be hand 'dovetailed' into this pedestal for a joint that does not even require gluing.
These legs required several drawings and sketches before the actual carving could begin.
3. Three of these legs will be supporting this particular table. The heavy pedestal which the legs are resting on has long dovetail slots ready to receive the male dovetails of the legs. The thinner pieces of wood jutting from the pedestal are the arms which will support the table. Click here for a completed image.
4. Another view of the legs. A three-legged table such as this one provides more visual interest than a four-legged table. Additionally, the three legs adjust themselves to any irregularity in the floor or carpet upon which the table will set.
