carving cottonwood bark

Colin_Partridge · #1 02-19-2003, 10:26 PM

I have just got myself some cottonwood bark from the midwest, boy I never knew bark was that thick. This stuff must me 6inches thick. I recently purchased a Fordom power carver but as yet have not even plugged it in. My question is has anyone ever carved cottonwood or any other bark with a power carver ??? I have carved lots of black locust bark and black poplar bark but I have never power carved anything in my life. I was wondering if anyone had some advice on what bits to use on bark or even if you can use power on bark. Would appreciate any information on what bits to use and what are the best bits out there as I have none as we speak. What basic bits do I need to start with I looked in the catalog and there are thousands of bits to chose from. I am also interested in trying this out on other woods.

#2 02-19-2003, 11:47 PM

I don't know the Foredom powercarver - is it reciprocating, or is it a grinder-type one? I've used my reciprocating carver on cottonwood bark, and it works fine - the important thing is to just be sure it's as sharp as possible. I'm just beginning to work with bark, though...so I'm sure someone else can say something much more informative :-)

Teri

#3 02-21-2003, 07:31 AM

I have carved several pieces of bark but not with power. I would be interested in where you found the thick bark? I have ordered some from the NW tht is 3' maybe 4', but sure would like to find some 6'. I agree with Teri that sharp tools are the key.
Thanks-
Barry

Faron Young · #4 03-01-2005, 07:41 PM

I have carved cottonwood bark using rotary tools. With the foredom grinder I use a Kutzall or carbide cutters. I found carving at a higher speed makes for a smoother cut.
Aways wear a dust mask.
Keep your tools sharp. Faron

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #5 03-01-2005, 07:56 PM

This is a thread for Art Olver (the bark guy)...Art does fantastic work and has bark for sale as well....he showed me some carvings he used a duplicator on, and used a round burr, probably a kutzall....but he is the bark expert!

Kenny_S · #6 03-01-2005, 08:45 PM

I have only used rotary tools on cottonwood bark and high speeds seemed to be the Key. As for power reciprocating tools, no. I have used the Kutzall bit to remove the outer layers though.Can't say high tough the outside layers are on northern bark but the plains bark I get in Kansas is really rough on tools. More frequent stropping. However,I prefer using knives and gouges on cottonwood bark.

Maybe Art Olver has more insight than I do on poer carving cottonwood bark.

Glad you got some!

artolver · #7 03-01-2005, 10:18 PM

I have used just about every thing, including a tool that looks just like the foredom. It's name is Pfingst, made for dental tools, lots of good cutters and burrs. It's great! there is a lot of cool stuff you can only get with a highspeed rotating little cutter. Kutzalls are good.
Mostly, I start with a gouge 1in. #4 or #5 or the bench knife, V tool,more gouges and 1/8th.veiner
art