How to Sand Tipi Poles
Sanding tipi poles is not a complex process but it is labor intensive. Before you begin sanding, think about the look you are trying to achieve. Many tipi owners will leave a rough look on the poles by peeling the bark and skipping the sanding process. Sanding does help to protect your cover by removing knots and sharp edges that will eventually tear the material. Be prepared to do the sanding by hand to maintain a nice round shape in the poles.
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Instructions
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Lay the poles flat on the ground or on a slightly raised surface. Squat over the poles and use a two-hand draw knife to peel the bark and outer layer off the poles. Start at the thick base and work your way to the tip.
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Roll the pole and repeat the draw knife stripping until all of the bark and outer layer has been removed. This process requires several runs to complete the stripping of each pole.
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Run your hand along the pole to locate rough spots. Also look for splinters and knots on the pole. Use a piece of 60-grit sandpaper to remove the rough spots from the pole. Rub the sandpaper against the spots with firm pressure but do not scrub the pole completely smooth. As long as the sharp areas are dulled, the poles will work well.
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Set the poles off the ground in a dry area. Nomadic tipi makers recommend the poles are dried before they are treated with oil.
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Use rags to cover the poles with linseed oil. The oil will also help to cover rough spots and create a smooth surface for the fabric.
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Tips & Warnings
Process the tipi poles in a covered area. This will allow you to peel, sand and oil the poles without worry about weather.
Do not throw linseed oil rags in a trash bag. The rags must be dried and disposed in an oxygen rich environment to prevent combustion.
References
Resources
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