Thread: How do you bark your logs?

Originally Posted by Krunchie

Just purchased one of these Log wizard

Hey Krunchie, how are you going with the Log wizard? i have been thinking of getting one.

best way i found is to run one cut down the length with a chainsaw as said in previous posts and i just drive my tractor over it ,the bark usually comes right off,ironbark has to be done the same day or early the next otherwise forget it

Hello All, I lived and worked with mostly Iron Barks on the western Darling Downs for 50 odd years. There were a couple of tricks to barking this well-named tree. Most important, if possible cut the tree soon after rain when there is a good fresh sap flow. If tree is dry, almost forget it... We used a narrow faced sledge hammer, about 4kg, to work backwards along the log hitting slightly sideways, usually along one of the bigger grooves that are naturally in the bark. This is effectively trying to spin the bark on the trunk. It is HARD work, but will split and start the process. Then we used 2 specially made crow-bars with broad blunt blades to work around the trunk after fully opening up a "seam". If the tree was moist the bark would almost pop off the trunk. BE CAREFUL!! This bark is VERY slippery and a fall is very likely if not careful! Barking must be done almost as soon as the tree hits the ground. If it dries out for a couple of days, again, forget it! Thicker bark was much easier than thin, it can be hit more effectively. The back of an axe also works to open up, but being lighter, you have to hit much harder ... momentum counts for a lot!!
Cheers, Silver Dog.

In my experience earlier the better, couple tricks I've seen are;
1) excavator pushin the tree over, booms up as high up the trunk as possible, scrapes down the trunk to 'scar' the edge of the bark, does the ground work around the tree then when its pushed over, it 'pops' out of its bark on hittin the ground.
2) score down the length of log with a blade/bucket or similar and use the lugs of the tractor tyres set about 30 deg to the log to 'peel' the bark off.
3) Score the log with very shallow c/s cut down the full length, back of axe or sledge on the edge of the cut to 'open' the bark off the log then bars with flat slightly curved faces used to pry it of the log or post hole shovel does well too.

Pretty much either method has to be done the second the dust settles when she falls, or just get a Lucas and re tip ya blades :O