carving cottonwood bark

[colin_partridge]

I have just got myself some cottonwood bark from the midwest, boy I never knew bark was that thick. This stuff must me 6inches thick. I recently purchased a Fordom power carver but as yet have not even plugged it in. My question is has anyone ever carved cottonwood or any other bark with a power carver ??? I have carved lots of black locust bark and black poplar bark but I have never power carved anything in my life. I was wondering if anyone had some advice on what bits to use on bark or even if you can use power on bark. Would appreciate any information on what bits to use and what are the best bits out there as I have none as we speak. What basic bits do I need to start with I looked in the catalog and there are thousands of bits to chose from. I am also interested in trying this out on other woods.

[Teri_Embrey]

Re: carving cottonwood bark

I don't know the Foredom powercarver - is it reciprocating, or is it a grinder-type one? I've used my reciprocating carver on cottonwood bark, and it works fine - the important thing is to just be sure it's as sharp as possible. I'm just beginning to work with bark, though...so I'm sure someone else can say something much more informative :-)

Teri

[Guest]

Re: carving cottonwood bark

I have carved several pieces of bark but not with power. I would be interested in where you found the thick bark? I have ordered some from the NW tht is 3' maybe 4', but sure would like to find some 6'. I agree with Teri that sharp tools are the key.
Thanks-
Barry