New question about black locust

TroyH · February 06, 2009, 01:34:00 PM

I decided to try a black locust bow. I'm planning on cutting the stave in the next few days, but I have another project currently going, so I plan to let it dry by itself for a while then speed it up as I get closer to starting.
Anyway, my question is due to confusion over various ways I've seen bows of BL made. Some have a sap wood layer and some don't. Personally, I think I would prefer to take it down to heart wood and work a ring like osage, if that is an acceptable way to work BL. What is the best or right way to work BL?
Also, since it is winter (tighter bark) and I don't plan to start immediately, do I have to take the bark off now?

Pat B · February 06, 2009, 02:04:00 PM

With BL removing the sapwood is the appropriate method to use. I have made BL bows with sapwood left on but it is not typical. Don't remove the bark until you are ready to start your bow. With woods like BL, osage and mulberry you want to remove the bark and sapwood and get down to an appropriate heartwood ring for your bow's back, unlike whitewood where the ring under the bark is what you use.
Split your log at least in half and seal the ends. When you are ready to start, split out a stave, remove the bark and sapwood and seal the back soon so it doesn't check. If you get it to floor tiller stage it will dry faster.

talkingcabbage · February 08, 2009, 12:37:00 AM

Thanks for that question, I've been wondering the same thing!

Joe

George Elkstalker · February 08, 2009, 07:12:00 PM

Where can I find black locust either growing or for sale?

talkingcabbage · February 08, 2009, 07:48:00 PM

If you lived closer to me, I could show you enough to keep you building for years.

Pat B · February 08, 2009, 09:04:00 PM

It should be growing in VA.

Roy Steele · February 08, 2009, 10:10:00 PM

George I'm sure thats there's plenty growing right around you.

Roy Steele · February 08, 2009, 10:12:00 PM

George I'm sure thats there's plenty growing right around you.

Dan Landis · February 09, 2009, 09:50:00 AM

PastorHunter, I am working on a BL sapling bow, which is all sapwood with the exception of the very center. The diameter after stripping the bark is only 1-1/4". Have shot it about 100 times the past few days. It pulls 58# @ 27" and has taken about 2" of set. Since this is my first self bow, I'm sure my tillering is not perfect either. The sapwood on this bow seems very tough, hope this helps. Dan