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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: LaBill67 on November 14, 2018, 07:19:12 PM

Title: Black Locust
Post by: LaBill67 on November 14, 2018, 07:19:12 PM

Question for you experienced bowyers out there.  With black locust would there be any problems like checking and such if I went ahead and took a green stave down to the heartwood in order to speed up the drying process?  I appreciate your input.

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: Pat B on November 14, 2018, 10:56:23 PM

You can remove the sapwood but be sure to seal the back and ends. You can also take it down to 3/4" thick and full width to help it dry quicker just don't stress it until it is dry. You might want to clamp it to a 2x4 to prevent it from twisting while drying.

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: LaBill67 on November 15, 2018, 06:02:49 AM

Will do, thanks Pat B.

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: Eric Krewson on November 15, 2018, 09:53:06 AM

I would put as much sealer on the back as you do on the ends or your stave will check green.

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: Phil-D on November 15, 2018, 12:49:53 PM

What is the reason for not sealing the belly when you are sealing the back and ends?

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 15, 2018, 12:54:39 PM

To let moisture out.

The back and ends are important bow parts, but the belly wood will be removed.

When moisture escapes from wood it can cause it to check/split.

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: LaBill67 on November 15, 2018, 06:18:47 PM

Eric I will surely seal the back and thanks for pointing that out.  I would have went ahead and sealed the belly had Roy not commented on leaving it unsealed to let the moisture out.  Thanks Roy.

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 15, 2018, 06:24:36 PM

 :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: Crooked Stic on November 15, 2018, 07:27:26 PM

I have sealed my ends and back and my belly has gotten bigger  :dunno: :bigsmyl:

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 15, 2018, 07:30:35 PM

Didn't happen wif out pichers:)

Title: Re: Black Locust
Post by: Soonerlongbow on November 24, 2018, 06:25:29 AM

Quote from: Roy from Pa on November 15, 2018, 07:30:35 PM

Didn't happen wif out pichers:)

 :readit:     :biglaugh: