hardness of cottonwood bark

[frankjay02]

This may sound silly but how hard is cottonwood bark in relation to basswood? I have read some articles on it and it 'appears' it is arthritic hand friendly. I read the latest issue of Woodcarving Illus. and there was an article about carving a Nat. Amer Indian head with a few tools which yielded beautiful results..of course the author was talented.
I gave a try at power carving after buying two bits and I did not like it...basically because I was dressed like Buzz Aldrin to avoid dust and chips to eyes etc and it was NOT relaxing. I also bought the mini arbotech grinder, which I like..I have been practicing with that for larger projects I want to make for yard sculptures. (sp?)
If anyone can give me some insight to the 'carvability' of the wood compared to basswood, which I have practiced on, I would really appreciate it.
In my retirement I want to relax and take my time doing carving but do not want to soak my hands in ice after each session. Will cottonwood bark be the medium I am looking for?
Thanks folks and I appreciate the help I always get. Someday maybe i can help back.
Frank in NJ

[Robson Valley]

No Frank, not silly. You just have the guts to ask the question. Good.

Cottonwood bark (CB) does not have the density or the grain of wood. I got some from a bark carver to fool with. Softer than basswood, softer than aspen/poplar, softer than yellow cedar (Xanthocyparis sp.) Seemed like really cold, hard cheese to me. I had no particular project in mind and the pieces were sort of small to meet my imagination. So, I went back to my favorite, Western Red Cedar wood.

If you need something soft for your hands, something that doesn't take much "squeeze" to hang on to, CB might be a way to go.

[Magicman]

Hi Frank

Cottonwood Bark is easy to carve , once you get thru the outer bark down to the softer wood. It has been my experience that you should use an old knife you don't care much about to take the outer bark off in the areas where you don't want it. The outer bark has a lot of sand and debrie in it and is not good for the knife edge. When you get to the softer wood use your good knife and gouges with no problem. Hope this helps
Larry

[kdispoto]

I agree with Larry. Occasionally I come across a piece of bark that is tougher in spots - don't know exactly why but as you dig deeper it usually becomes softer. No two pieces are ever alike - that's the beauty of it all!

[Marci MN]

Frank, I have hurt my arm this last spring and have 'tennis' elbow symptoms from the injury. I had a hard time holding on to basswood, so I hauled out the CB so I could still keep on carving. Its a nice soft wood inside under the layers. I use a wide gouge to shave off the top loose layers and get to work on the inner wood. I also will use my dremel on this wood with good results.

I've carved up 30 pieces this summer. From three feet long to tiny little houses. And thats with my arm in a brace.

Another helpfull thing to have with artheritic hands is a bench dog. It helps hold items for you and you can put pegs in to hold it in the position you want. CB works nice with that because CB has a flat back to lay flat on the bench dog.

I know theres a good article in one of the Woodcarving Mags and theres a few posts here on how to make one. They are quite simple to make and you can keep drilling holes into it for pegs as you find you need them.

I say go for it.. get some CB and carve away.

Marci.

[uvawyo]

Once you get past the outer bark it should be easy on your hands
Cotton wood bark does tend to flake and is kind of unforgiving so you do have to be careful and make shallow cuts

[frankjay02]

Thanks folks, I appreciate all your comments and tips. I have that arbotech mini that I have been practicing with so I will use that to skim offf that rough outer bark with sand and debri.
I dont' want to use the power carving after working on a piece for a few hours...I am glad I saw the article on CW bark because it sounds from what you all have said it is 'arthritic hand friendly". thanks again
Frank

[Canopener]

A work injury this summer left me in a lot of pain in my left hand and 2 weeks off. I pulled some tendons and the Phys Therapist wanted me to use the hand. I found carving small 6-8 in pieces to be a good way to use my hand, very therapeautic. Mostly I just used a small skew chisel, it seemed to be the perfect tool.
Good Luck,
Jim