The salaries of Wood Carvers in the US range from $18,800 to $50,720 , with a median salary of $28,990 . The middle 50% of Wood Carvers makes between $28,990 and $29,630, with the top 83% making $50,720.

Can you make money chainsaw carving?

There are many chainsaw carvers earning more than one hundred thousand dollars a year. ... The demand for chainsaw carvers is very high and the supply is very low. If someone wants to earn a living as an artist, they almost can't do any better than chainsaw carving.

How do you price a chainsaw carving?

Prices vary, depending on the amount of detail, type of wood, diameter of log, height of tree, location, degree of difficulty, etc. As a rule of thumb, prices are generally $150-$250 per foot of carving up to a height of 5 feet. Above 5 feet, scaffolding is needed, and the price is about $200-$300 per foot of carving.

How much do wood carvers get paid?

Its interesting that so many are finding the $10 to $20 per hour the norm for carving regardless of the 'class' of the carving they are doing.

Is chainsaw carving hard?

It can even become a career since many people make a living out of it. Although chainsaw carving may seem hard and nearly impossible at first, anyone can start. It's important to always remember that a chainsaw is potentially an extremely dangerous tool that must be handled with care.

MY LIFE AS A CHAINSAW CARVER!

31 related questions found

What kind of wood do chainsaw carvers use?

The best softwoods suitable for chainsaw carving are cottonwood and ponderosa. Although cottonwood is classified as a hardwood it is very soft and pleasant to carve, same as basswood being put in the “hardwood” category but still works as softwood for chainsaw carvers.

How much does a chainsaw sculpture cost?

A. Prices are roughly $100 to $200 per foot, depending on how much work goes into it. The difference is in the details. A basic, standard bear might be $400.

How do you seal a chainsaw carving?

To preserve your chainsaw carving for as long as possible you must seal it with an oil such as the danish oil or decking oil. Apply multiple coats of the sealer with daily intervals between each coat. Reapply the sealer regularly during the first year, and only once per year after the first 12 months.

Is wood carving expensive?

Wood carving is not an expensive hobby when done with traditional non-electric tools. The most expensive part of wood carving is the wood you carve from and the tools, most of which are a one-time purchase. ... However, as most of you likely carve 2-3 times/week, your wood carving expense will be half your petrol bill.

How hard is it to get into woodworking?

In the beginning, woodworking is actually very easy to learn. You will most likely want to build something, so that's all you will be learning about. Woodworking is a lifelong learning process, but it's always one project at a time.

Can you carve hardwood?

Wood carving can be done on the hardwood as well as softwood. Not all hardwood has high density and is difficult to work with, the same as not all softwood is really soft and suitable for hand carving.

How do you price a sculpture?

How to Price Your Digital Art

1. Start with your desired hourly rate. For this one, we'll say $40 an hour.
2. Multiply that by how long the piece took you. If it took you five hours, that's 40 x 5 for a total of $200.
3. Factor in your desired profit margin. If it's 15%, that's [(200 x . 15) + 200], for a total amount of $230.

Is Cedar good for chainsaw carving?

Cedar wood remains a long time favorite with wood carvers, because Cedar is a good option for wood carving. This sweet-scented wood is durable, and naturally resistant to decay.

Is Oak good for chainsaw carving?

Oak. Oak is another wood that woodcarvers go for because of specific favorable properties. This hardwood is heavy, strong, and light-colored. The intricate grain patterns of oak make it a popular choice among woodcarvers and furniture makers alike, and it makes good chainsaw carvings.

Can you chainsaw carve pine?

Pine can be carved but there are a few things to look out for. ... A Clean piece of White Pine is generally best for carving. It is also very easy to machine and one of the best woods for chainsaw carving.

What age should you start carving wood?

Most children develop sufficient motor skills to learn wood carving at the age of 10. But if you still feel uncomfortable then you can start teaching your kid(s) when they're 12.

How long does it take to learn wood carving?

This is dependent upon if you are focusing on one type of wood carving style or trying everything at once. It can take a couple weeks to several months to learn how to proficiently carve wood depending on how much time and effort the person puts into learning.

Is wood carving a good hobby?

The intricate details of wood carving pieces might lead you to think that it is not very easy. However, wood carving only requires simple tools, like a knife or a chisel. It makes a great hobby or pastime. With dedication, it can even lead to a career.

How long do wood carvings last?

Wood carvings can last anywhere between a few decades to several lifetimes or more depending on how they were treated and where they are stored. They can easily last several decades outside if out of direct sunlight and are regularly treated and sealed. They can last almost indefinitely indoors and the wood sealed.

How do you keep wood carving from splitting?

Placing the sculpture under some plastic sheeting (though not completely sealed in) can have the same effect. It will also reduce the rate of moisture loss and therefore the cracking. Using sealers, drying oils, varnish etc. to coat the carving can help a lot in forcing it to dry slowly.