Post #115739 by tikinewbe on Mon, Sep 20, 2004 7:03 PM

I also had the same question when I started carving. I guess the answer would vary depending on the type of wood, but the basic instruments should be the same. I have carved pine, ear tree, cedar, and palm. For everything but the palm, I used a machete, but only because I don't own a draw knife. I used the machete just like a draw knife to remove the bark and the cambium (sp?). That got me down to good clean wood to start my carving.

When it came time to carve the palm log, I noted the bark is quite different, very fibrous and tough. The machete/draw knife tactic didn't work. I ended up driving my hatchet into the cambium area and then twisted to pry it loose. I could actually get most of the bark off fairly quickly this way. I am sure with a good/ really sharp draw knife you could get most of it off. Another way that I have heard recently is a chainsaw.

As far as the chisels, my carving tools include the very same set from Costco, a gift from the wahine. The nice thing about the set is that there are a variety of chisels in one nice handy to carry box. As far as the sharpening goes, there are many ways to keep them sharp, I hand sharpen all of my tools, I only use a stone and lots of elbow grease. The first time is the worst, but after that it only takes a few moments to keep them sharp.

Here is a link to a good post on sharpening:
[href]http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=4918&forum=7&start=0[/href]

Hope this helps, and please if someone knows a better way to skin a palm. I would love to know also!! :wink:

aloha