Carving Douglas Fir bark?

[Brian T]

I'm leaning on some Doug Fir firewood in my little avatar picture. No slivers whatsoever from the bark, it's more overlapping cupped scales. That log is full of pitch pockets and despite the size, it is really junk firewood.

Grab a handful of butter. Squeeze until it oozes out between your fingers. That's the resin you get on your hands, working with young/live Douglas fir.

[joepaulbutler]

My son gave me some thick bark off some trees they harvested, It was over 2 years old & it came from around Helen, Mt. Like Brian says, & also found to be kind of spongy. End up throwing it away. .

[redherring]

Most of the stuff I’ve gathered is probably 2-3” thick. It’s been lying on the shoreline for who knows how long so I suspect it’s super dry. I didn’t bring carving tools with me so I think I’ll just bring some of the bigger pieces of bark home and give it a go. If it doesn’t work out that’s fine. I do know that it sheds very fine slivers so perhaps gloves will be a good plan.

thanks! If anyone else has anything to add I’m all ears.

[Dark Lightning]

I did get the chance to try Doug fir bark after a major roadway clearing. Maybe 4" to 6" thick bark.
Dripping, sticky, gooey, juicy, resin pitch with every cut. Nothing that margarine first then dish washing liquid second could not clean up perfectly.

Go ahead. Try it. The best part was the aromatic resin smell.

That's mighty thick! I've never seen it like that. The smell would overpower me, though.

[Glenn Jennings]

Nothing ventured nothing gained. Go for it !!!

[Brian T]

I did get the chance to try Doug fir bark after a major roadway clearing. Maybe 4" to 6" thick bark.
Dripping, sticky, gooey, juicy, resin pitch with every cut. Nothing that margarine first then dish washing liquid second could not clean up perfectly.

Go ahead. Try it. The best part was the aromatic resin smell.

[Claude]

I haven't heard of anyone doing this, but it might be possible - get a piece or two, try, and report back the results. I'm sure people will be interested. BTW, another possibility might be Ponderosa Pine.

Claude

[redherring]

Hi there. Thoughts on carving wood spirits out of relatively thick Douglas Fir bark? Sort of seems like it might be doable and fun, but I haven’t tried it yet, so I’m wondering if perhaps I’m wasting my time collecting the bark?

Thanks!