Well I have found a hickory that is perfectly straight and has no limbs lower than 8 feet above the base.
QUESTION 1: Can I get 4 staves from a tree with a 6" base diameter and cut to a 6 foot length?
QUESTION 2: Do I split and paint the ends right after cutting?

Thanks,

Can

Try the bowyer's forum. I'll bet they'll have good input.