Hi everyone. Shari writing in from Albuquerque, NM. I started chainsaw carving about two years ago, but got discouraged. Last thing I did was November of last year when I did a demo at the Woodcraft store I work at. I've been handcarving for a long time, but have a severe mental block trying to transfer that to chainsaw carving. I've done many craft shows in the past and have had my carvings at the National Woodcarvers Museum in South Dakota. So, I believe that I have what it would take to do this, but I just have a difficult time starting. I love bears and have printed many of the step by step ideas here. So what is my problem? I wish I knew. I appreciate this site and I hope it does stay put. It is a great help to us wannabe's! Keep posting everyone. You really are appreciated.

you just have to start with a log and plan or no plan then just keep taking the next chunk out ?

That's how I did this one, anyway, and I kinda like it, even if I did mess up the feet <LOL>. Nothing but chainsaw, by the way.



To be a little more specific, remove the large areas "around" your figure, then smaller bits until you reach the desired shape. Then texture.

Shan, you do have what it takes to chainsaw carve. Look at the pice as if you were going to do it by hand and then just use the power tool to do your work. Its no diff. Just a diff. tool to use. Good luck Lone Wolf

Most hand carvers I know start out by marking the block of wood and cutting out the front and sides with a band saw. Do the same thing with your C/S. Then go after the detail. Hope this helps ya. Carve Hard.......mikeB