Ice Carving Equipment Basics

Explore the world of ice sculptures and ice sculpture supplies

The ice sculpture business can trace its roots back to China, and became popular in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. Ice sculpting remains popular today, and can be at catered events or in great, outdoor fairs around the world, such as in Gorky Park or even the great Ice Hotel in Sweden.

To start an ice sculpture business, you need to purchase some ice sculpture equipment. Below, you will find information about ice carving equipment basics. Armed with this information, you can take the next step to decide the scale of your ice sculpture: from tabletop displays to towering, freestanding sculptures.

1. Start with ice carving block machines.

2. Pick your ice sculpture mold or molds.

3. Choose ice sculpture tools.

 

Make blocks of ice with ice carving block machines

One of the first items on the list of ice carving supplies is ice carving block machines. These massive machines can make up to 15-pound blocks of ice. The daily output of these machines is impressive: up to 56 blocks of ice a day. Of course, it is possible to harvest ice directly from rivers and lakes during the winter, as the creators of Sweden's famous IceHotel do every year.
Try: Two companies that sell ice carving block machines are Index West and Clinebell Equipment.

Make an ice sculpture from an ice sculpture mold

Should you decide to use molds to make ice sculptures, then ice sculpture molds would be next on the list of ice sculpture supplies. These ice sculpture molds can be simple or ornate: from simple candle holders to elegant swans with curved necks and detailed feathers. This is perhaps the simplest method to make ice sculptures. One tip: the makers of the ice sculpture molds recommend the use of distilled water for clear, unblemished ice.
Try: One Stop Candle and Central Restaurant have a selection of ice sculpture molds.

Create ice sculptures with ice carving tools

Ice carving tools include chisels, ice picks, sharpening stones, ice tongs to carry the blocks of ice and infrared laser thermometers. For larger sculptures, chainsaws carve out the details.
Try: Ice Crafters has a selection of tools for ice sculpting as well as a selection of chainsaws--a necessary ice carving tool for carving the large ice sculptures. Chef Depot has a selection of tools for ice sculpture.

 

• For inspiration, any potential ice sculptor should see the work of ChicagoFun and Fear No Ice. Each ice carving business offers towering and inspiring ice sculptures that boggle the mind.

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