Things You'll Need:
- Protective clothing
- Chainsaw
- Block of wood
- Grinders and sanding pads (optional)
- Wood sealant
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Step 1
Take a basic chainsaw proficiency course and purchase protective clothing before attempting a chainsaw carving. Chainsaws are powerful tools, and people are often injured; therefore it is important that you have training and experience, observe the safety rules, properly maintain your chainsaw and work free from distractions.
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Step 2
Practice smaller woodcarving before attempting a chainsaw carving. Whittling technique is similar to chainsaw carving in that it uses large bold cuts. African or Native American carvings also use a minimum of straight cuts directly from pieces of round timber. Studying and practicing these techniques can make translation into larger chainsaw sculptures faster and easier.
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Step 3
Choose the timber you will use for your sculpture; basically any variety can be used. Start with a big log and a creative idea. Secure the log by using sandbags, stakes or smaller logs to keep the piece from shaking or rolling. If you use clamping devices, be sure the chainsaw does not come into contact with the metal parts.
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Step 4
Mark a rough design of your idea directly on the bark with the tip of the chainsaw. Many beginners prefer to sketch the design with chalk or a permanent marker, which also works well.
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Step 5
Finish your chainsaw sculpture. Many carvers change to a special blunted chain to help smooth the finish of the sculpture, while others prefer a rough chainsaw finish. You may choose to use angle grinders with sanding pads or hand finish with a gouge to add extra fine detail.
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Step 6
Treat the wood of the finished sculpture according to final location and personal taste. If the sculpture is to be exhibited outdoors, it should be treated with teak oil twice a year. Inside pieces are often treated with beeswax or Danish oil. There are a number of wood finishes available, however they vary in cost and effectiveness.
