Stripping bark from branches

[woodaxed]

Hi
I have several ash and beech branches around 2" across that are dry i need to strip the bark from them
whats the best method of doing this i dont have a spokeshave i could get a cheap one if recommended
many thanks

 

[Jacob]

Drawknife, or just a big heavy knife.

 

[Dangermouse]

The traditional way was to use a drawknife.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

I'm not sure how you'll do it, but it's not with a spokeshave. Possibly a drawknife, or even a very sharp axe.

 

[gomeraman]

The traditional way is using a draw knife and shave horse. You sit on the shave horse, press your foot on the pedal which jams the branch you're de-barking pretty rigidly and then draw the knife towards you - see link [http://www.neillmapes.com/bodgers-shavehorse]. It was used in situ in the forest by bodgers making furniture in the middle ages (and today!).

 

[AndyT]

As above!
It would have been easier to do if you'd done it before they were dry.

But what are you going to make out of branch wood?

 

[woodaxed]

As above!
It would have been easier to do if you'd done it before they were dry.

But what are you going to make out of branch wood?

if you strip the bark before drying the wood splits
small wood burned pendants among other things