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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: twitchstick on March 27, 2012, 08:37:00 PM

Title: Juniper stave form old burns?
Post by: twitchstick on March 27, 2012, 08:37:00 PM
I have several burns close by with alot of juniper in it. I was wondering how good it might be and what to watch out for. I would think it might be alittle too dry. Most of the burns I'm looking at are 1 to 3 years old. I have been struggle picking out a good piece to work with when I cut them green. They can look great until I take off the outer bark and then I find hidden surprises. My thinking is that I maybe able to see the grain and knots better with the out bark gone.
Title: Re: Juniper stave form old burns?
Post by: OzarkMatt on March 27, 2012, 08:55:00 PM
Depending on the type of juniper, great bows can be made. Junipers are very strong in compression, but weak in tension. You might try decrowning a stave and backing with hickory. Pin knots are a huge problem with junipers, try to find a large diameter tree if you can. Cut, split, debark and seal the ends and after they dry for about 6months, try them out  :)