Mallets

• Mallets in a variety of sizes are essential to sculpting wood. Rubber mallets work best because you are less likely to destroy the wood you are sculpting. Steel hammers can be used, but they are heavy and not as easy to control as rubber mallets. A small, medium and large mallet on hand will allow you to be prepared for any size wood sculpting job.
  
  

Chisels and Gouges

• Steel chisels and gouges are ideal for removing wood during the sculpting process. Unlike stone sculpting, you won't need a variety of chisels. Flat-edge chisels ranging from small (for details) to large (for removing big chunks of wood) are all you need. Purchasing a chisel set will give you a variety of working chisels. Point and straight chisels can also be useful.
  
  

Carving Knives

• Although sculpting wood requires little carving, a carving knife on hand is handy. You can use a good carving knife to help smooth out and work in the details of your sculpture. The size of the carving knife depends upon the type of projects you do on a regular basis, but many woodworkers keep a set of carving knives nearby.
  
  

Power Tools

• A chainsaw is often used for large wood sculptures. Many woodworkers keep a circular saw on hand. In addition to power saws, carving and sculpting power tools like the Dremel are nice to have on hand for wood sculpting as well as for sanding the final project.