1. What is wood carving?
   Wood carving is a form of woodworking where you use various tools to remove wood from a block or piece of wood to create decorative or functional objects.
2. What tools do I need to start wood carving?
   Basic tools for wood carving include chisels, gouges, knives, mallets, and sharpening equipment. The specific tools you need depend on the type of carving you want to do.
3. What is the difference between wood carving and woodworking?
   Wood carving (in sculpture and relief) and woodworking (in cabinet and furniture making) are two different fields. The basic styles of wood carving tools include the chisel, gouge and skew. The shapes, widths and bevels were all developed for specific purposes to carve decorative motifs with as few cuts as possible.
4. What is the difference between whittling and wood carving?
   Whittling is a subset of wood carving that typically involves using just one small, sharp knife to carve away small pieces of wood to create simple shapes and objects. Wood carving encompasses a wider range of techniques and tools, including chisels and gouges, for creating more intricate and detailed carvings.
5. What types of wood are best for carving?
   Softer woods like basswood, pine and cedar are ideal for beginners due to their ease of carving. Hardwoods like rosewood, oak, walnut and cherry are better suited for advanced carvers because they are denser and require more effort to carve.
6. Is wood carving dangerous?
   Wood carving can be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not followed. Always use sharp tools and wear gloves, finger guards and goggles. Carve away from your body to minimize the risk of accidents.
7. How do I learn wood carving?
   You can learn wood carving through classes, workshops, online tutorials or books. Many experienced carvers recommend starting with simple projects and gradually advancing to more complex ones.
8. What are some common wood carving techniques?
   Common wood carving techniques include relief carving (carving a design into a flat surface), carving in the round (creating a three-dimensional sculpture), chip carving (removing small chips to create geometric patterns), and letter carving (carving letters and numbers into wood), power carving (pneumatic tools can reduce bulk material in about a third of the time standard handheld tools) and pyrography (patterns and images are etched into wood using heat).
9. How do I maintain my wood carving tools?
   Proper maintenance is crucial to keep your tools sharp. Regularly sharpen your chisels and knives using sharpening strops and stones. Store them in a dry place to prevent rust.
10. How long has wood carving been around?
    We don’t know the full scope of ancient wood-carving, but it has a long history dating back thousands of years. It has been used for both artistic and functional purposes in various cultures around the world.
    
    

Remember that wood carving requires patience and practice. Start with simple projects and gradually work your way up to more complex designs as you gain experience and confidence.