How to Strip Tree Bark

Driftwood with the bark removed is a common choice for wood furnishings.

The bark on a tree protects the tree from invasion from insects and insulates the tree against hot and cold weather. Removing the bark from a living tree can kill the tree. Woodworkers often use tree limbs in the making of furniture, walking sticks and wood carvings. The first step in making something out of rough wood is to strip the bark. The process is not as difficult as many people think. A draw knife is the preferred tool for removing bark.

Things You'll Need

• Draw knife
• Knife
• Wood plane
• Vice
• Clamps

Instructions

1. Remove large chunks of bark by hand by tearing them off. Removing as much material as possible by hand makes the process of using tools simpler.

2. Pull a draw knife along the length of the tree limb. Angle the draw knife slightly so it grabs beneath the bark. Avoid sharp angles or you will damage the underlying wood. A very sharp knife works for smaller limbs. The draw knife or sharp knife will remove the bulk of the bark.

3. Anchor the limb with a vice or clamps to a flat surface. Remove any remaining pieces of bark with a hand plane. Pull the hand plane towards you to remove the smaller chunks of bark. Hand planes are for finishing work. The tool removes thin layers of wood at a time. Use a sharp knife to remove bulky deposits of bark that the draw knife missed.

References

• Wood Carvers: Canes and Walking Sticks
• Jeff Greef Woodworking: Project Plans