Replies

1. 
   MBerger | Feb 08, 2007 04:31am | #1

   Hi Wordworker,

   It's hard to believe but I couldn't find a single article on our site that deals with this issue. I did, however, come across two old discussion in Knots that offers some good advice.

   Link: http://forums.taunton.com/fw-knots/messages?msg=10308.1
   Link: http://forums.taunton.com/fw-knots/messages?msg=8832.1

   Here are a few things I culled from that discussion. The best time to remove the bark from a cut tree is shortly after it is felled, and particularly in spring when the bark peels off easily. I've made some rustic furniture from tree branches and can confirm that the bark peels easily in the spring, and is difficult to remove in the winter or after the wood dries.

   Some posts suggested using a dull draw knife, or one of two specialized tools -- a "spud" and a ring barker -- for the hard-to-remove bark. There are links and photos in the discussions with more details on those. The problem that I noticed and what some others confirmed is that a sharp tool will also remove the wood underneath the bark, leaving a less-than-natural look.

   If you do end up cutting into the plank while removing the bark, you can sculpt the edge to look more natural with some hand sanding. A palm sander will be too aggressive for this.

   Once you do acheive the natural edge you are looking for, it should be finished just like the rest of the table. If there are cracks or gnarly spots, blow the areas with compressed air to make sure all the dust and dirt is removed. Even if you use a wipe on or brush on finish for the rest of the table, spray any areas that you can't get to with an aerosol can finish.

   I hope that gets you closer to a solution.

   Matt Berger
   Fine Woodworking

1. 
   wordworker | Feb 09, 2007 06:24pm | #2

   Matt, thanks for you research on my "natural edge" problem.  Sounds like there is no set right way so I quess there is also no real wrong way.  When in doubt just rely on experience and common sense.  Thanks again.  Rob