Quick Answer
To split wood for carving bowls, use a mallet and wedge to split green wood along the grain, taking thin, even cuts, and work with the natural fibers to avoid splits.
Choosing the Right Wood
When selecting wood for carving bowls, choose species with a high moisture content, such as willow, alder, or birch. Look for wood with a straight grain and minimal knots. For a 12-inch bowl, aim for a log diameter of 4-6 inches. Cut the log into manageable pieces, about 6-8 inches long.
Splitting the Wood
Use a mallet and wedge to split the wood along the grain. For a green wood, take thin, even cuts of about 1/8 inch. Work with the natural fibers to avoid splits, and use a splitting technique called “hewing,” where you remove small amounts of wood with each strike. For a 2-inch thick piece of wood, split it into 4-6 sections, depending on the desired bowl thickness.
Preparing the Split Wood
Once you have split the wood into manageable pieces, use a drawknife or spokeshave to remove any checks or cracks. For a bowl, you want to work with a piece of wood that has a consistent thickness and is free from splits. Use a marking gauge to ensure even cuts and a consistent wall thickness. For a 12-inch bowl, aim for a wall thickness of about 1/4 inch.
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