Is it possible to rehydrate a stave

[shawn]

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

[the Ferret]

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.

[Littlefeather]

:eek:  If I set a stave on the front pourch overnight, rain or no rain, it would end up about 95%.  :D

[ishiwannabe]

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.