Removing Birch Bark

[Davidwc]

Any ideas out there on the best way to remove birch bark form some pieces for carving hiking sticks. I have more of it available than anything else hard, but it is a booger to get the bark off, even fresh cut. My goats will eat the bark off of privet, but won't touch the birch. I have whittled several pieces and it is difficult.

[AlArchie]

The best way I have found is to make a horizontal slit (along the length of the stick) clean through the bark. Then simply work a knife under the bark and pry it off on one piece. Or make a few circumrance cuts 10 inches or so along that first cut to make for smaller pieces. Smaller trunks are a bear to peel anyway, especially if they were cut in the winter. Good luck!

Al

[Cliffo]

I acquired a few birch limbs 3-4" diameter and have been playing with them for "newbie practice"

Is there a harder wood? I'm thinkin that carving a block of stainless steel would be easier

the outer bark comes off pretty easy in layers, but then theres this inner bark pretty much bonded to the wood

scrape, whittle or power sand?

[northwood bob]

White Birch is a VERY nice piece to work with. Over the past years, I have made X-Mas ornaments while sitting on a deer stand. All turned out very nice. As indicated earlier, it can be VERY hard when allowed to dry. Try working with a green piece and allow the finished product to dry before finishing. This way it will carve almost nicer than basswood. You may also want to try the same with Alder. The tannin in these pieces will turn the project a nice tan color. Just remember not to do any finish carving when dry or the tan will disappear in the corrected areas. clear wood finish then becomes blotchy.

Large pieces of birch can be peeled similar to poplar but the smaller pieces need to be whittled to remove the bark. Not a fun process but id does work better when green. if the piece is large enough you may want to try a draw knife.

have fun
Bob

[Dagwood]

Al has the answer thats the way i do it anyways