
Whittling Twigs & Branches, by Chris Lubkemann is a great book on whittling for both novice and seasoned woodcarvers. The book is a great introduction to woodworking and will introduce you to curling, a fundamental technique for making beautiful pieces. An experienced woodcarver, the author has been carving wood for many decades. His instructions were clear and easy-to-follow.
Chris Lubkemann
Many people have been fascinated by whittling for centuries. Chris Lubkemann (author of five books) has been an avid whittler for many years and shares his knowledge in his book Whittling Twigs and Branches. This book provides step-by–step instructions, as well as picture galleries that showcase the finished product of his whittling.
This whittling guidebook by Chris Lubkemann contains 18 projects that are easy to follow and will teach you the basics of whittling. The book also shows you how to safely sharpen your knives, how to choose the best woods for carving, and what tools to use. It is an excellent resource if you need more inspiration about the craft.
Chris Lubkemann's whittling twigs and branches

This video will show you how to carve branches and twigs. Chris Lubkemann (a master whittler) invented a new method to whittling wood that produces perfect curls. His technique can also be used to carve anything, from birds to carved objects. Lubkemann shows his skill at Lancaster County’s Amish House and Farm Museum.
This step by step guide will help you create incredible carvings. All you need is a pocketknife and a little patience to make your masterpieces look as good as possible. The book is easy to follow and is suitable for beginning whittlers. The book will teach you how to carve twigs, branches and leaves with a pocketknife.
FAQ
What are the basics of woodworking?
The best way to learn how furniture construction is to make your own bench. This project can be done with any kind of wood that you have at home. If you are unsure what type of wood is best, you can get cheap pine boards at Lowes (or Home Depot) instead. Once you have built your bench, you will need to sand it off and then finish it with a stain/varnish.
What kinds of woods are good for making furniture?
Woods are classified according to their hardness. Softwoods include cedar and pine as well as cedar and cedar. Because they are resistant to rot, softwoods are often used as outdoor furniture. Hardwoods include oak, maple, mahogany, and teak. They are generally indoors as they don't weather well outside.
How do I choose the right tools for me?
It helps to reflect on your needs and preferences before you shop for tools. Do you prefer metal handles or plastic? What size are you most comfortable using for screws and nails? Are you comfortable with power tools, or would you rather use hand tools?
How much should a skilled woodworker earn per hour?
The hourly rate for a professional woodworker varies depending on many factors, including skill level, experience, availability, location, and other variables.
An hourly wage for skilled woodworkers is between $20 and $50.
A less skilled woodworker might charge as low as $10 per hour.
Statistics
- Average lumber prices rose about 600 percent between April 2020 and May 2021. (familyhandyman.com)
- If your lumber isn't as dry as you would like when you purchase it (over 22% in Glen Huey's opinion…probably over 10-15% in my opinion), then it's a good idea to let it acclimate to your workshop for a couple of weeks. (woodandshop.com)
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that the number of jobs for woodworkers will decline by 4% between 2019 and 2029. (indeed.com)
- Overall employment of woodworkers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. (bls.gov)
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How To
Here are some tips on how to drive nails in wood
First, choose the right size and type of tool to drive a nail through wood. The most common types of hammers are claw hammers, sledgehammers, mallets, ball peen hammers, and hatchets. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, a claw hammer works best when you want to hit something hard, like nails; however, it's difficult to control precisely where the blow lands. Although a sledgehammer can be used to hit large areas quickly, it is too heavy to be useful for small tasks.
After choosing the right hammer, place your hand flat against the side of the head so that the handle rests comfortably in your palm. Hold the handle in your hand, but don’t force it too hard that you break. Your wrist should be relaxed while you hold the hammer straight upwards. Swing the hammer back towards the ground, with your aim at the middle of the nail. You should feel the impact of your hammer hitting the nail. Try practicing with a block to help you master the art of swinging a stick.
The hammer should be held close to your body when you are ready to begin driving the nail. Place the nail so that it is perpendicular with the wood's surface. Keep your eyes focused directly on the tip of the nail. Swing the hammer forward, and then move the hammerhead. You can repeat this several times, increasing your swing speed. When you are confident with the technique, add power to your swings. Try holding the hammer above your shoulder and bring it down forcefully. You'll have more energy to work with.
Once you've made the first nail hole, take out the hammer. To remove the remainder of the nails, you can use a screwdriver/pry bar. To prevent splitting the wood, ensure you keep the nail heads flush against the board's surface.