Abstract Form with a Central Hole: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Illustration coming soon
in the handbook

This is what it looks like finished — a reference render, not yet a real photo by Eduardo.

A minimalist vertical oval with a central perforation running all the way through — the most direct exercise in balance and continuity in the whole route. No facets, no separate pieces: just the form, the void, and the proportion between the two.

Note: the images on this page are reference renders generated to plan the piece — they are not photos of a sculpture Eduardo has already finished. They'll be replaced with real process photos once the piece is carved in the workshop.

Material: solid wood (oak, ash, beech, or walnut) or high-density foam (min. 80 kg/m³) to practice the form without fear of mistakes. Starting block: 32 × 22 × 8 cm (measurements include margin for roughing-out).

From the Shop: band saw or jigsaw, curved and straight gouges, rasp and abrasive file. See tools →

What you'll need

Solid wood block or high-density foam32 × 22 × 8 cm — oak, ash, beech, or walnut.
See in the Shop
Band saw or jigsawTo cut the oval's general outline.
See in the Shop
Curved and straight gougesFor roughing-out and forming the general volume.
See in the Shop
Forstner bit ø6 cmFor the central through-hole.
See in the Shop
Rasp, abrasive file, and sandpaper (several grits)Grit 80 → 120 → 240 → 400, for progressive finishing.
See in the Shop

Technical diagram

Technical diagram — coming soon in the handbook

Total height (with base): 38 cm · Sculpture height (oval): 29 cm · Max width: 22 cm · Max thickness: 8 cm · Central perforation: ø6 cm · Perforation depth: 2.5 cm · Base: 20 × 8 × 6 cm.

Before you start: clamp the block to the workbench before drilling the central hole — the Forstner bit needs constant pressure and a piece that won't move.

Step by step

Illustration coming soon
in the handbook

Transferring the design

Mark the oval and the central perforation on the block with all the reference lines.

Illustration coming soon
in the handbook

Cutting the profile

Cut the oval's general outline with a band saw or jigsaw, leaving the approximate shape.

Illustration coming soon
in the handbook

Rough shaping

Remove the excess material with gouges or a rasp, leaving the approximate shape.

Illustration coming soon
in the handbook

Central perforation

Drill the central hole with a ø6 cm Forstner bit or the appropriate tool.

Illustration coming soon
in the handbook

Forming the volume

Work the curves and the general volume, watching the symmetry from every angle.

Illustration coming soon
in the handbook

Defining the contours

Refine the outer contour and the opening, minding the proportions and the transitions between the two.

Illustration coming soon
in the handbook

Progressive sanding

Sand with grits 80, 120, 240, and 400 until you get a uniform surface.

Illustration coming soon
in the handbook

Sealing

Apply a base sealant (optional) to protect the material and prep it for the final finish.

Illustration coming soon
in the handbook

Final finish

Apply oil or matte varnish, your preference. Let it dry completely and polish gently.

Illustration coming soon
in the handbook

Final mounting

Mount the sculpture on the base with the metal rod (ø8 mm min.) and structural epoxy adhesive. Check that it stands stable.

Don't have the tools yet?

Saw, gouges, and a Forstner bit — everything you need for this project.

See in the Shop

Your turn. This is one of the quickest projects in the route — when you finish it, share it and tell us what wood you chose.