The LumberWorksForums

how sharp should my bark spud be? skould it be super sharp or just sharp enough to get under the bark? super sharp tends to dig in but i probably need to learn how to control it.

ya woodbutcher i usually don't bother either but this tamerak is muddy half way around the log. i too don't do much cutting so i can play around some. i really like to learn as much as i can about anything i do.more out of curiosity than anything. pressure washing looks to be a wast of time as you would just drive the sand deaper in the bark. this sawing is sure a kick though





i can do all things through him who gives me strength..Phil 4.13

I would use a not so sharp edge for lifting the bark off for the same reason you stated. Don't listen to WB - he's got all that fancy log moving equipment and he's never seen mud. (I'm kidding there WB!) Pressure washing works well on some species but others are like you say: It only drives it deeper. I deal with mud on most logs. We try to get all that the blade will hit but often miss some. All too often the mud has some rocks and sand embeded in it.

I think Northern tool sells bark spuds and there's others that can be found on a web search. I like a long handle as it gives you more energy release due to the big mo and mass as well as providing some extra leverage. But it seems most try to take too wide a bite.

The best bark spud I've heard about was made from an old truck spring. The steel in them is hard enough to hold an edge. It was cut past half its lenght and had a wood handle (like a large knife handle) attached to the cut off end. It was sharpened sharp on one edge. This edge was used to cut scour lines so the bark would peal in strips. The end was sharpened some so it would slip under the bark to lift it off. The tool was very handy as it not only served to debark but also came in handy as a short lever for moving cants and seperating boards. I guess you could also cut a hook in the opposite side (from the sharp edge) and use it as a pickeroon. The curve also serves the same function that the offset in a broad ax does in keeping your knuckles from getting scraped while using it. I'll try to make one this winter.

i found the head for one at a antique shop and put a hefty handle on it out of maple so i can use it for a pry bar.works good. the truck spring sounds awfully heavy.but i don't see why you couldn't use a short piece and weld a short piece of pipe for a socket for a wooden handle.. i made a picaroon out of an old single bit ax head it is really fun for me to learn all i can about this logging and milling. I've been a woodworker for 50 yrs or so and it sure gives one a different perspective on the whole thing
Ma rebuilds antique sewing machines and I'll build her a reproduction cabinet from some cherry i cut and milled

I have no idea what a bark spud or a picaroon is. Some pictures would be nice.

i'll have to learn how to post pics. i've made severalthings that may be of interest to some folks

I should have said "light truck" spring. Imagine something about the weight and size of a heavy machette with thicker steel but narrower blade with a squared off end that has been sharpened some for getting under the bark and peeling it off, but sharpened fully on one side so it can be used as a machette..


I don't have my own pictures of bark spuds or pickaroons but here's some links:
bark spud
bark spud2
pickaroon

A pickaroon can be handy around the sawmill for moving wood. It gives you reach and can save some wear on your fingers and back. It excells for firewood. But it can leave a hole in boards.

I saw some picaroons at work at the sawex, didnt know that is what they were called. Looked pretty handy, that is how one mill was off loaded. You had to pick the board and pull it back towards the operater, very inefficient. I dont know wich mill it was but it was a swing blade mill. It was slow and cumbersome compared to the other swing blades. That bark spup looks to much like a spud bar to me I dont want to use it.

the picaroon saves me a lot of work (bending over) and the bark spud adds work but saves on the blade life and i've got more time than money so i'm coming out allright i guess