Replies

1. 
   DennisS | Jan 26, 2003 08:55am | #1

   Budix -

   I see your message has lived here for a few days (at least) without a reply. I'm by no means an expert on the subject but without any other comments let me suggest a couple things. First a question or three...

   Do you want to use the bark or are you only looking to peel the bark off the branch to expose the wood underneath? Assuming you only want to take the bark off and use the branch, this will be, I think, a lot easier to do when the wood is green. Like just cut from the tree. And the time of year will make a difference as well.

   Here's where I can't give you good information but logic would seem to indicate that when the sap is flowing, early to mid summer perhaps, is when the bark would be most pliable and most easily stripped.

   Do you want to preserve the cambium layer without any noticable tool marks? I remember when I was a youngster making whistles from tree branches, we'd tap the bark all 'round with the knife handle to 'loosen' it and it would slide right off the stick underneath. Of course, if you have a large branch you're working with this might not be practical. But if you slit the bark along the brach with a very, *very* sharp knife or even a razor blade, lightly tapping around the branch might make it easier to peel the bark away.

   Do you want to preserve the bark for use in the piece? Then definitely you'll need to work the wood very, very green I would think. Even to the extent of soaking it in water to make the bark as pliable as possible. Again, depending on the size of the branch or trunk you're working with, tapping 'round the piece and using a sharp tool to peel it away while keeping the bark very wet all the time might work.

   These are just suggestions off the top of my head, as they say. I have no experience doing any of this, but it's the approach I'd take to experiment.

   ...........

   Dennis in Bellevue WA

   [email protected]

2. 
   Curtis | Jan 26, 2003 05:18pm | #2

   Hello

   I remember reading an artical on this topic. I belive the bark was removed by some kind of wire wheel (perhaps a plastic one)  I know the debarking tool that i use on oak logs to get them ready for the saw mill, would rune the natural look you are looking for.

   I belive the artical was in finewoodworking (only I cant remember when) good luck.

   C.A.G.

3. 
   LeeGrinding1 | Jan 27, 2003 12:01am | #3

   At our level the best tool for removing the bark is a drawknife if you don't want to keep the bark. If it's the bark you're after let the limb or log dry a bit and the bond between the cambium and the bark will weaken enough to where you can remove fairly large pieces without too much damage.

   Lee

   Lee Grindinger

   Furniture Carver