Learning the craft of chainsaw carving is just a few classes and workshops away those in the Greater Las Vegas, Nevada area. Clark the Carver of Carve Me a Bear! Chainsaw Carvings offers an intensive workshop of six hours of customized instruction and hands-on training over two weekends. With the small class sizes, you will have plenty of attention from an award winning artisan who has been passionately carving for decades. You will get plenty of chainsaw handling safety, designing techniques, finishing, and everything to get you started in this rewarding hobby. We would like to share some
tips on learning this exciting new creative expression.

Tips for Learning How to Chainsaw

1) It is most importantly to practice all safety. Always be safe, wear your gear including chaps, eye protection and ear plugs.
2) Keep in mind; you cannot expect to have perfect results in the beginning. Like any craft, it takes practice to get better. Don’t over criticize your work; the roughness is part of the charm of chainsaw carving. People love chainsaw art. If you are looking to sell your work, don’t automatically assume it won’t sell.
3) The more you practice the more perfect the work is. When you have free time, practice your new hobby. Carving more and more will only improve your masterpieces.
4) Don’t compare your progress to other peers. Everyone evolves at their own pace and benefits from their practicing techniques.
5) Avoid brittle wood, but stick with soft wood that is easy to use. Western Red Cedar is common as well as Redwood. They are both bug resistant and hold well against the weather. At Carve Me A Bear! Chainsaw Carvings we pride ourselves on using reclaimed wood to not negatively impact the environment.
6) Keep your chainsaw well maintained and chain sharp. You can learn to sharpen the chain yourself or take it to a local saw shop for service. Be sure to keep it cleaned and change the oil periodically.
7) Have a variety of saws at your disposal. In the beginning to lop away the chunks, you need a big, heavy duty saw. As you move onto the different details and intricacy, you will need a smaller chainsaw.
8) Go in with a grinder to do some additional detail work, following the finishing of carving the wood with the saw.
9) To give the fur the right color, use a propane torch to burn the carving. Continue practicing proper safety measurements when working with the propane torch.
10) With a wire brush create a consistent feathering with a brushing technique.
11) Utilize linseed or other oil to oil it down well.

Chainsaw Carving Lessons in Las Vegas, Nevada

With Carve Me a Bear Chainsaw Carvings workshops, students bring their own chainsaws. We recommend the Stihl MS 170 chainsaw with a quarter pitch sprocket and protective gear including chaps, ear and eye protection. In regards to work boots, we recommend steel toe boots, but it is not required, and weather appropriate clothing. We are just exciting sharing our knowledge as you are getting it to start a new hobby and to nurture your creative juices. Call us today to sign up for our workshop today.