can a stave be to dry?

[ozy clint]

i cut some wattle staves a few months ago back home in australia. i'm in canada now for a while, it could be up to 2 years before i get to them. they've been sealed on the end grain and sapwood. can a stave be to dry to work?

[Pat B]

Yes, staves can be too dry to make bows. If they are stored in a safe place where insects, etc can't get to them they should be fine even if you are away for 2 years. When you get back, check the M/C. On most woods I am familiar with, 9% to 11% is what you are looking for. Hickory can be 6% but we aren't talking about hickory. If the wood is too dry it can be re-hydrated by leaving it in your bathroom or other area of high humidity for a while.
  You can shape a bow from wood that is too dry and get it to floor tiller stave without worry but be sure to get it to the proper M/C before stressing it at all.    Pat

[ozy clint]

 thanks

[shamus]

a stave will dry to match the relative humidity of its environment.

Stored in an arid environment, the stave will eventually get too dry.

thoughts of mine on relative humidity and selfbows:    http://analogperiphery.blogspot.com/2007/02/relative-humidity-and-selfbows.html  

more thoughts on seasoning wood:    http://analogperiphery.blogspot.com/2008/08/drying-and-seasoning-wood.html

hope it helps.

[Roy Steele]

YES it can.

[razorback]

Clint.
What type of bow can you get out of a wattle. I don't think I ever saw a wattle split, other than firewood on the farm. I really miss the golden blooms of the cootamundra Wattle, my all time favorite flowering tree.
Where abouts in Oz do you come from.