Get Creative with Chainsaw Art

Have you heard about chainsaw art? This riveting art form is a fusion of classic sculpture and the modern technology of the chainsaw. This fast-growing interest began in the early 1950s and flourished in the 80s. After being exposed to the discipline, many artists quickly caught on.

It's more than a performance art. Every competition brings more artists to the fore and makes chainsaw sculptures more popular all over the world. Artists began to perfect their craft. There was a rush to enroll into sculpting schools and specialized chainsaw carving schools all over the globe. The whirring sounds of chainsaws and the scattering of sawdust has changed how chainsaw art is now appreciated in modern day art.

The Creative Process

Audience are often mesmerized by how deftly chainsaw artists carve out plain logs and turn these into marvels of art. Unknown to many, these artisans spent hundreds of hours perfecting their craft. Most started using the chainsaw just to help out their dads in chopping down trees and cutting firewood. The passion to create artwork came later, as most became adept to the skill of using the chainsaw and later catching the creative bug.

For American sculptor Bob King, winner of the 2010 World Cup in Germany, he found bear carvings attractive and special. This prompted him to take formal lessons and invest countless hours in school. Today, he has completed numerous intricate chainsaw sculptures. He has designed woodland creatures, statues, and lovable pets, to name a few.

Tools of the Trade

1. Professional Chainsaws

Chainsaw artists admit that you need different sizes of chainsaws to create your masterpiece. The best chainsaw for carving is the gas powered Echo Chainsaw. It's durable, dependable, and offers a variety of complementary accessories for added flexibility. The combination of the 2-stroke engine and the Pro-Fire ignition system ensures easy and consistent usage.

All models are equipped with auto clutch-driven oilers for economical use. Moreover, it is lightweight for easy maneuvering. Also, there's an anti-vibration handle to minimize user fatigue and shaking. You need a reliable machine to execute intricate details on your work and the Echo Chainsaw answers that to a T.

Look for special chainsaw bars with sharp tips to ensure excellent carvings. A 14-inch bar is great to start with. But ensure that you have a variety of blades for cutting and carving different types of wood. In addition, the Echo Chainsaw is equipped with an anti-kickback chain for safety against kickbacks.

2. Other tools

To smoothen rough spots make a cut in the design, and to add extra details, a 4 inch angle grinder is a must. A Jig or scroll saw is a useful tool when making small signs for bear carvings. Furthermore, to hold the sculpture in place, a drill or screw gun is a welcome addition. Putting eyes on your sculptures? Try the Dremel Rotary Tool and Grinding Stone Bits for more realistic details.

Tips

If you're interested in making chainsaw carving as a hobby, or even to make money out of it, here are a few tips:

• Always wear protective clothing and gear such as eye protector goggles, chaps, and ear plugs.

• Passion and skill go together. Perfect your art skills by enrolling in a reputable chainsaw carving school or a traditional sculpting school.

• Practice frequently to perfect your craft.

• A variety of saws is needed to make cutting and sculpting efficient. Big saws are used to cut out large chunks of wood at the start of your project. As your work become detailed, opt for smaller saws.

• Ensure that your chains are always sharp by going to a professional saw shop or, if you're experienced, sharpen them yourself.

• Use a grinder to add more details. A propane torch is useful for giving the right hues for animal fur in your sculpture.

• Using soft wood, such as Western Red Cedar or Redwood, will make chainsaw carving easier and more enjoyable. These materials are bug and weather-resistant, as well. Avoid brittle wood.

• For added gloss, linseed or other oil can be used as a final touch.

Conclusion

Chainsaw art is an engaging and fast-growing craft, that has flourished through the years. It draws professionals and newbies to invest their time and talent to improve their craft. If you are serious with this art, enroll in chainsaw carving schools or your local sculpture schools.

Tools of the trade such as the Echo Gas Chainsaws and other specialty equipment makes your work more appealing. Remember that using the right tools and engaging in proper training preserve the integrity of the craft and add value to this unique art form.

References:

Amazon. (1996). Echo CS-310 14" gas chain saw. Retrieved March 21, 2016, from Amazon.com: Patio, Lawn & Garden, http://www.amazon.com/Echo-CS-310-Gas-Chain-Saw/dp/B00286WTTY

Chainsaw-Art. (2016). Chainsaw carving and Chainsaw art - Bob king - Chainsaw king. Retrieved March 21, 2016, from http://www.chainsawking.com/

CHAINSAW CARVINGS WOOD CARVINGS. Retrieved March 21, 2016, from http://www.chainsawbearcarvings.com/

Chainsaw carving (2016). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chainsaw_carving

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