The wood carving niche and industry sector has continued to experience growth in recent years, apart from 2020 where demand was ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic.

With a CAGR in the millions projected between 2021 and 2025, the market for wood cutting tools remains high and will continue to grow in the near-term.

This includes chainsaws, which are popular (albeit far from obvious) tools for carving wood in domestic and professional settings. But what is chainsaw carving and what do you need to know about this unique technique?

What is Chainsaw Carving and What Tools Do You Need?

The broader technique of chainsaw carving is an evolution of wood carving, which is an ancient art form that can be traced back through generations.

While the use of wood carving art has a particularly rich heritage, the more specific practice of carving designs into wood using a chainsaw (such as people and wildlife) is thought to have begun in the mid-20th century.

During this time, ‘Wild Mountain Man’ and Ken Kaiser became the first and most prominent chainsaw carvers, helping to popularise the practice and push it into the mainstream by the 1990s.

During the formative years of chainsaw carving, traditional tools such as knives, chisels and gouges were the most popular and widely used.

However, chainsaw carving provides a greater scope in terms of potential designs, while also allowing artists to carve shapes quickly and efficiently. As a beginner, you’ll need to invest in a relatively lightweight chainsaw if you’re to achieve optimal results, while also procuring other equipment to help ensure the safety and quality of your work.

For example, you’ll definitely need items of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as goggles and a helmet, along with a thick and durable pair of gloves. 

We’d also recommend buying preferred types of wood and finishing products, to help guarantee the integrity and visual appeal of your final workmanship. 

Our Top Tips When Getting Started With Chainsaw Carving

Before getting started, it’s crucial that you familiarise yourself with your chosen chainsaw and its associated safety implications.

This includes comparing the market and buying the PPE listed above, along with any other items depending on your chosen materials, tools and the nature of your project.

The next step is to familiarise yourself with the practice of chainsaw carving and relevant designs, ideally those that are relatively simple in nature and capable of helping you to build your confidence gradually over time.

In some cases, you may want to read expert books on chainsaw carving or identify a potential mentor in the field. This will help you to build your knowledge base gradually and increase the complexity of your projects over time.