I just had a guy call that wants me to carve totems on 2 treated utility poles. He put them on each side of the entrance going into his property. Anybody had any experiences or recommendations with carving them? Thanks - Fred

Hey Fred,

I work for a utility pole company and have tried carving a few of our treated poles. They are kiln dried and hard as a rock. From what I have seen they are horrible to try and carve.

I had the chance when the uility company replaced the poles on my road.Wasn't long before I ruined a chain. After rather close inspection of fresh cuts I relised over the years, dirt from the road and sand from snowplows had blown into the cracks of the poles and packed like sandstone. Now i use them for curbs to help customers park where they are supposed to. Good luck with them Fred.
Mike

If they are used, they will likely be packed with dirt between the cracks. Nails and staples can usualy be found in the areas that were close to the ground where people could reach to hang a cheap sign.


good luck.

Tomcat

Horrible Fred ... and regardless of using breathing masks the chemicals they use in the wood made me feel very very sick.
I don't recommend it ... there are other ways. I know I wont be doing it ever again !!
Take care ... Angie

Creosote, tar, nails, some have metal reinforcements pounded into them that you don't see. THe worst, and hardest thing I'veevr tried carving, but it does look cool when you get one carved. Wear a respirator though...

Fred , Don't waste your time, talent, and tools trying to put lipstick on a pig!...R.L.

What they said! Doc

After years as a Piledriver and using a chainsaw to "head" the piles (essentially a long utility pole) I wouldn't go near it. A lot of my co-workers had severe skin reactions to the various chemicals. Maybe you could interest your customer in some carved pieces that are attached to his poles?

This was a treated pole I carved. It was off the beach so maybe that helped soften it. I didn't have any particular problems carving it. I did hold my breath while sanding .
Hope that helps.
Best Regards,
Tom Castaneda

15 chains, and a railroad tie, the rail road tie won....The only safe way to cut treated wood like this is with a demo saw that has water hook up, and a diamond blade. it will take you forever, only worth it if you're getting paid a lot. It'll last forever, but may take you forever to finish....

Guess I won't be doing that one. Sounds like it would be way too hard on my tools and health. I'm sure he will understand. Thanks for all the input. - Fred