Trad Gang
Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Cuban Missile on April 17, 2012, 04:01:00 PM
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Ok I have a 5" diameter tree that I cut down for maybe two bows... This being my very first self bow I have no idea where to start. I sealed up the ends with wood glue cause I had no paint around.
Through my meanderings of the Bowyer's Bench I figured I would split it and take off the bark the tie the two staves together with a couple of shims between them.
Is that OK?
Should I rough them out or just let them dry tied up, and for how long?
More questions and photos to come.
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you could split it out with the bark on, if you split it right you could get 4 staves out of it. seal the ends with shellac, you can get a quart can at a hardware store for around $16.and store it for a year. you could get adventurous and peal the bark off to the cambium layer and seal that in shellac and bring it to a rough floor tiller, and store it under your bed for about 3 months and start the tiller process.ash is a tough wood . just like hickory. it can take it . rv
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(http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k525/javdiaz9/Snapbucket/93E9CF71-orig.jpg)
(http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k525/javdiaz9/Snapbucket/54A878D6-orig.jpg)
(http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k525/javdiaz9/Snapbucket/44605CFA-orig.jpg)
Here are some pictures.
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I've used the method you described with small diameter osage and it worked very well. I assume it will work with ash also. By binding them back together with spacers you will get good air circulation to help with the drying but the staves will support each other to help prevent warping. I'd leave the bark on for a few weeks just to give the staves time to acclimatize.
You might as well split your stave at the check.