I recently broke a redmulberry stave during ground exercising. I had no idea what happened. It was suggested that I check the moisture content of the stave. Sure enough, the moisture content would not even register on the meter. What could be done to rehydrate a stave? Is this even possible? I seal the ends of my staves to prevent checking. Once the stave reaches an optimum moisture level, shoud the entire stave be sealed. Any input would be appreciated.
Shawn
Shawn when I had staves that needed some rehydrating (mostly black cherry..that stuff goes down to about 5% quickly and then explodes when tillering..don't ask me how I know...x 3 LOL) I stuck them on the front porch under the eve the night it was going to rain, and then take them back in the next morning.
:eek: If I set a stave on the front pourch overnight, rain or no rain, it would end up about 95%. :D
I know up here, a stave stays right around 12-16%, unless ya put it in a hot box.
Way back when I got into trad(last year) I read an article in PA about salt water curing staves.
It had some interesting points.
Of course, I am no bowyer....but I am playing on some hickory as soon as the wife has the boy! In between hunts of course. :saywhat: