how to remove bark

[Rhys_holland]

hey all i have a massive burl on the lathe at the moment with lots of bark i have been at it with a carving chissel for about 2 hours just to remove the bark and have hardly made a dent in it has anybody got soloution on how to remove it

[Toymaker Len]

No solution for the workshop but if you can find somebody with a big waterblaster you might be able to get them to blow the bark off for you. I have done it several times when I've had a hundred or so burls to do and the finish you get is brilliant. By 'big waterblaster' I mean 4000psi and 18 litres per minute the car wash one won't do it.

[wheelinround]

a photo might help

depending on the bark type i use a roughing gouge, some a chainsaw, others use a hand held electric planer.

[ticklingmedusa]

I use one of these with a straight bit.
Much easier than saw or mallet & chisel.
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[turnerted]

Depending on the style of bowl you're turning, the chances are that you will have very little of the original bark surface showing when you finish so don't worry about it untill you have established your final shape . If necessary I then just pick out the bark bits with a small screw driver . If this is not a success , just stabilise any bark wih CA glue and live with it .

Ted

[Rhys_holland]

thanks for all the sugestions

[Ad de Crom]

Simply, turning it off on the lathe with a roughing gouge.
Ad

[Swino]

Depending on the Burl and the amount to be de-barked I have had success with water blasting in large quantities and a wire brush in smaller quantities.

If you are intending on a natural edge you could try rough turning it and then prior to final sanding using a wire brush. The wire brush doesn't work will all burl species though - some species bark seems to have a very strong hold.

I hope this is of help to you,

[Rhys_holland]

i cant beleive i didnt think of using a wire brush that will be perfect

[BobL]

If you want to retain a natural looking wood only finish an angle grinder with a wire brush head and a gentle touch produces surprisingly good looking results.