Find HS Code and trade information for wood carving kit

Wood Carving Kit

A wood carving kit is a collection of tools designed for the artistic process of shaping wood. These kits vary widely in scope, from beginner sets with a few basic implements to comprehensive collections for experienced carvers.

Materials

The core components of a wood carving kit are the tools themselves, typically made from high-carbon steel. The handles are commonly constructed from wood (often beech, birch, or ash), plastic, or rubberized grips for comfortable and secure handling. The wood intended for carving is usually a softer variety, such as basswood, butternut, balsa, or pine, though more experienced carvers may work with harder woods like oak, walnut, or maple. Some kits include abrasives like sandpaper or sharpening compounds for refining the finished piece.

Purpose & Function

The primary purpose of a wood carving kit is to transform a block of wood into a desired shape or design. This is achieved through controlled removal of wood using various carving tools. The function of each tool differs; some are designed for rough shaping, while others are for detailing and fine work.

Common Types of Tools

• Carving Knives: Versatile tools for general shaping, removing larger pieces of wood, and creating smooth curves.
• Gouges: Characterized by curved blades, gouges are used for scooping out wood, creating hollows, and defining contours. They come in various sweeps (curvature) and widths.
• Chisels: Used for straight cuts, removing wood in defined lines, and creating sharp angles.
• V-Tools: Feature V-shaped blades for creating precise lines, details, and lettering.
• Mallets: Often used in conjunction with chisels and gouges to provide greater force and control.
• Detail Knives: Smaller, more specialized knives for intricate work.
• Skew Chisels: Used for cleaning up corners and creating smooth surfaces.

Usage Scenarios

Wood carving kits are employed in a wide range of applications, including:

• Relief Carving: Creating designs that protrude from a flat surface.
• Chip Carving: Removing small chips of wood to create geometric patterns.
• Whittling: Using a knife to create small, decorative objects or figures.
• Sculptural Carving: Creating three-dimensional objects and figures.
• Letter Carving: Engraving letters and words into wood.
• Functional Art: Creating items like spoons, bowls, or decorative boxes.

Kit Contents & Considerations

Beginner kits typically include a small selection of knives and gouges, along with a sharpening stone and instructions. More advanced kits may contain a wider array of tools, along with accessories such as a sharpening system, a honing strop, and a protective thumb guard.

Safety is paramount when using a wood carving kit. Sharp tools require careful handling, and protective gear, such as cut-resistant gloves and a thumb guard, are recommended. Proper sharpening and maintenance of the tools are also essential for safe and efficient carving.

Wood carving kits generally consist of tools used for shaping wood, potentially including tool bodies and handles. Based on this description, the following HS codes may be applicable:

• 4417008090: This code covers “Tools, tool bodies, tool handles, broom or brush bodies and handles, of wood; boot or shoe lasts and trees, of wood: Other”. This is a broad category encompassing various wood tools and their components. The total tax rate is 60.1%, comprised of a 5.1% base tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30.0% additional tariff effective April 2, 2025.
• 4417008010: This code specifically covers “Tools, tool bodies, tool handles, broom or brush bodies and handles, of wood; boot or shoe lasts and trees, of wood: Other Tool handles”. If the kit primarily consists of tool handles, this code may be more appropriate. The total tax rate is also 60.1%, with the same breakdown as 4417008090.
• 9601908000: This code covers “Worked ivory, bone, tortoise-shell, horn, antlers, coral, mother-of-pearl and other animal carving material, and articles of these materials (including articles obtained by molding): Other: Other”. If the kit includes carving materials derived from animal sources (e.g., antler, bone), this code may apply. The total tax rate is 41.2%, consisting of a 3.7% base tariff, a 7.5% additional tariff, and a 30.0% additional tariff effective April 2, 2025.
• 9602001080: This code covers “Worked vegetable or mineral carving material and articles of these materials; molded or carved articles of wax, of stearin, of natural gums or natural resins, of modeling pastes, and other molded or carved articles, not elsewhere specified or included; worked, unhardened gelatin (except gelatin of heading 3503) and articles of unhardened gelatin: Worked unhardened gelatin and articles thereof Other”. If the kit includes vegetable or mineral carving blocks, this code may be relevant. The total tax rate is 40.5%, comprised of a 3.0% base tariff, a 7.5% additional tariff, and a 30.0% additional tariff effective April 2, 2025.

Regarding HS code 9601908000, please note the need to verify the material composition of any animal-derived components and ensure compliance with relevant import regulations.