Getting bark off?

Hey all, I read up on here today about finding branches for vivs. So I knew where there were a few old plum trees. What the heck is the easiest way to get the bark off? I figured I would take the bark off before bleaching it. I was thinking maybe if I soaked it first it would be easier but I'm not sure. I tried talking the wife into letting me go buy a drimmel but she wasn't having it. So hopefully I can get some suggestions I didn't want it to looked carved, as natural as possible. Thanks for any suggestions.

Chaotic

I just asked this the other day. That stuff's a pain, isn't it? I actually baked mine in an oven at 200F for 45 minutes. After it cooled a few minutes, the bark came off much easier with a little sand paper. Good luck!

LBoz said:

I just asked this the other day. That stuff's a pain, isn't it? I actually baked mine in an oven at 200F for 45 minutes. After it cooled a few minutes, the bark came off much easier with a little sand paper. Good luck!

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Except that you didn't wait for our answers .

You can also use that tool there that ''normal'' people use to get layers of paint and stuff off of furniture. I can't remember what it's called right now but I'm sure that if you took a trip down the paint & etc isle at your local hardware store you could find it.

Putty said:

Except that you didn't wait for our answers .

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Hey Putty! :twoguns: :laugh: I waited a whole fifteen seconds for an answer!

So...what's this thing "normal" people use? Can you find a picture of it online somewhere?

Pretty sure its a chisel.

Or a scraper.

I had a paint scraper and it would work only after I got the first thick layer off with my pocket knife. So don't tell the wife but I used her best kitchen knife, was hella faster. So I have the smaller of the two pieces I was working on debarked. Maybe it's the plum tree and maybe because it's really old cause the bark is about 1/4 inch thick. Not too sure, thanks for the suggestions though.

Chaotic