How to Carve With a Hatchet

A hatchet features a wedge-shaped metal head. The narrow edge of the wedge shape is sharpened for cutting. The head is attached to a short wood or metal handle. Hatchets have long been used for chopping in outdoor activities. However, a hatchet is a multifaceted tool that is also suitable for carving. Learning to carve with a hatchet greatly reduces the amount of time necessary to remove excess wood from a project.

Things You'll Need

  • Gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Wood
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put on safety glasses and gloves for protection before starting a woodworking project with a hatchet.

    • 2

      Hold the hatchet handle just below the metal head with your hand. Grip the handle firmly.

    • 3

      Hold the wood to be cut so it is vertically straight. Position the head of the hatchet parallel to the wood.

    • 4

      Tilt the cutting edge of the hatchet in toward the wood. Use short and firm downward strokes to remove excess wood.

    • 5

      Choke up on the head of the hatchet for even more control and to remove smaller amounts of wood. Use the cutting edge of the hatchet as you would a knife blade to make small fine cuts in the wood.