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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: LONGBOWKID on January 14, 2009, 11:26:00 PM

Title: OSAGE OSAGE OSAGE!!!
Post by: LONGBOWKID on January 14, 2009, 11:26:00 PM

I have the opportunity to take a tree thats down on my property to a sawmill and get it cut up for staves.

What size do you reccomend I get them cut? I have anywhere from 25" dia. logs to 10" dia.

Thanks in advance.

The Kid

Title: Re: OSAGE OSAGE OSAGE!!!
Post by: Pat B on January 14, 2009, 11:41:00 PM

If it were me, I'd split out as many good staves as I could then take the rest to the saw mill had have it cut into 1 1/2" to 1 3/4" thick boards and about 6' long.     Pat

Title: Re: OSAGE OSAGE OSAGE!!!
Post by: Holm-Made on January 14, 2009, 11:49:00 PM

Brandon, by splitting the staves they will follow the grain and you will be able to read the wood in the stave.  

Course it's a lot of work but a young buck like you should be able to knock it out in no time.  Take care bud.  Chad

Title: Re: OSAGE OSAGE OSAGE!!!
Post by: LONGBOWKID on January 15, 2009, 12:40:00 AM

Thanks yall.

Will getting it cut at the sawmill still allow me to make bows from the wood?

I will have a LOT of staves out of this, and I really dont intent to make but a couple bows, several other projects will be made from the wood.

I was thinking of getting it cut into 2x4's and just splitting what width I needed for a bow out of that, and just using the rest for various projects.

I do realize the direction of grain is important, and getting it cut at the mill, I will loose a certain percentage of wood that has the ability to make a bow, but as stated above, I really have no intentions of cranking out 10 or 12 bows. But I do want that option if I change my mind.

The Kid...

Title: Re: OSAGE OSAGE OSAGE!!!
Post by: Eric Krewson on January 15, 2009, 09:24:00 AM

If you saw up the log your are limited backed bows, lams for fiberglass laminated bows and riser material.

Split at least one of the logs into staves and put them back for future projects. If the selfbow building bug ever hits you you will be glad you have a stash of staves to fall back on.

Title: Re: OSAGE OSAGE OSAGE!!!
Post by: LONGBOWKID on January 15, 2009, 12:30:00 PM

Thanks for the reply Mr. Krewson.

Title: Re: OSAGE OSAGE OSAGE!!!
Post by: va on January 15, 2009, 04:38:00 PM

"I really dont intent to make but a couple bows"

Don't kid yourself.  I sense another yellow bow addict in the offing.

va

Title: Re: OSAGE OSAGE OSAGE!!!
Post by: Bruce Martin on January 15, 2009, 05:23:00 PM

Don't forget to seal the wood so it does not check and spray it for insects so the borers don't ruin your stash.

Title: Re: OSAGE OSAGE OSAGE!!!
Post by: Clay Hayes on January 15, 2009, 10:20:00 PM

I second Eric's suggestion.  Split at least one of the logs.  Saw the other into whatever demensions you want for your other projects but don't count on it being good for bows.  

Wood bows are like Lay's potato chips.  Ya cant have just one!

ch