How to Carve a Wooden Spoon

Carving a spoon is a simple way to teach yourself the basics of woodcarving. It can also be a way to find out if you have what it takes to learn woodcarving at all.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Basswood – 12 inches long by 2 inches thick
• Carving knife or other sharp blade
• Scooped carving chisel
• Sandpaper
• Band saw (optional)

1. Use a pencil to draw the outline pattern of a spoon on the piece of basswood. Depending on how wide the wood is you may be able to make more than one. If needed, use an existing wooden spoon as a pattern.

2. Use a band saw if you have one to cut out the basic pattern approximately 1/2 inch from the edges.

3. Hold the wood in one hand and carefully begin removing the excess wood from your pattern with the carving knife. Whittle away at the wood until it takes on the shape of a spoon.

4. Complete the spoon shape, making sure to remove wood until the pencil line is gone.

5. Use the scoop gouge chisel to remove material from the bowl of the spoon. Work from both ends of the bowl until you have an even depression.

6. Use the sandpaper to rub the carved spoon smooth. By using a twisting motion on the handle you can round out the edges.

7. Wash your spoon to remove any dust or dirt. Your spoon is now ready to use.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you have mastered basswood, you can move on to other types of wood.
• If you have room on your board for more than one spoon, but don’t have a band saw, use a small wood saw to separate the spoons before carving.
• Be very careful when using carving knifes or chisels. They are very sharp and cause a severe cut on hands and fingers.

[gpcs]

on 3/17/2008 My mom used to spank me with a wooden spoon (on the RARE occasion when I misbehaved). Don't let her see this article!
-George

[MidniteWriter]

on 3/17/2008 Very cool! Didn't know you could do this!

[MacDonald]

on 3/11/2008 My stepfather carved all manner of salad spoons. Forks too, and they have lasted forever.