How to Carve Birch Hardwood

Place the birch block on a work surface. Draw the front and side profile of the design on the block with a pencil.

Cut out the front and side profile of the design from the block using a band saw. Guide the block through the saw along the pencil lines, moving just fast enough for the blade to cut through the wood to complete each cut.

Carve the rough shape of the design into the birch block with a carving knife. Cut away small slivers of wood from the block with the blade of the knife until you are satisfied with the overall shape of the design.

Refine the carving by adding details with the gouge chisels. Use the u-gouge chisel to carve round-bottom, shallow details into the surface of the wood. Use the v-gouge chisel to cut fine lines and add textures such as cross-hatching to the carving. Take away thin shavings of wood from the block to achieve the level of detail that you desire for the carving.

Sand the carving lightly with a fine-grit sanding pad in the same direction as the wood grain. Birch has a tight, close-pored grain which is ideal for sanding and finishing. Wipe off the sanding dust with a tack cloth.

Wipe the surface of the carving down with tung oil using a cloth rag. Allow the oil to soak into the wood for approximately one hour. Apply a second coat and allow it to dry for 48 hours.