Ok, where do i go from here

[Frosty the Bowman]

Ok, so I found a tree branch, not sure of the species, some whitewood. Thinking maybe Hawthorn or Maple as those were close to where I found it laying.

It had snapped off this winter and was hidning under a snow bank.

So I figured it wanted me to take it home and see what I could do with it, it actually asked me. It did, stop acting like im crazy    

Its maybe 2 inches at the thickest, and a little kinky, but figured Hey its free and its practice right?

So other then shaving off the bark, since its so thin do I need to split it?

How long shold I let it sit inside to dry before trying to begin shaping this baby? Should I leave it whole to dry, split it, rough shape it?

And should I coat it with anything, just the ends, or the whole thing?

Thanks guys, I promise to take pictures, maybe ill video, thatll give ya all a laugh.

Tell me oh gurus of the bow, guide this youngster Please.

[John Scifres]

I wouldn't split it.  On smaller pieces, I find it safer and easier to just begin removing material from the belly side to reduce thickness.  Get it reduced to near bow thickness and dimensions and coat with shellac.  Let it dry for a month and then start bending.

[Frosty the Bowman]

Thanks John,
so how do I choose the "belly" side from the back just to be sure? What am I looking for?

This is all uncharted territory for me.

What kind of shelac, does it matter?

How do i proced around where limbs where, or any knots or bumps in the wood.
Like I said it aint 100% straight, and is bumpy and several small limbs still attached. So I have not done anything with it YET!

[John Scifres]

I would choose the cleanest (fewest limbs, knots, issues) part for the back.

Any shellac just make it's still good.  I thin it with 1 part denatured alcohol to 1 part shellac.

Follow the grain around the knots.

[Roy from Pa]

Don't suppose you have a camera Frosty? Like John said above is good info. Congrats on getting your feet wet son:)

[Frosty the Bowman]

Well, not sure if this gonna work, but I'll give er  a whirl.

Gonna try to upload a couple of pics of my tree limb for you to all take a gander at.

Shoot me any useful info, your ideas about what may be the top of the branch, best way to proceed, etc. Thanks


This is the best shot I got of the whole branch.


Here is another shot, sorry not a great photographer


Finaaly, here is a close up of the bark, sorry its fizzy, like I said im not aphotograper, maybe you can help ID this type of wood.

Thanks guys

[Frosty the Bowman]

Come on guys, no one got anything to say or suggest?

No one got any geuss's as to what kind of wood I got here?

The branch is still as seen here, darn nice wether breeds a ton of honey-dos, not to mention dang homework, i need more time in the day.

[inksoup]

branches are not making good bow.
because,

top part
======================================== <- assume this is branch
bottom part

top part is more elongated since gravity makes it like this.
bottom part is more pressed since top part put extra weight on it. so both parts may not be used properly.
if it was sapling, then it was ok.

this is what i have heard from experienced bowyers. just wanna share.

best and good luck.

[macbow]

I would not be skilled enough to work this limb.
No idea on the wood type.

I have a friend who is not a bowyer. Many times when playing with his grandson he will take a limb clean it up some and put a,string on it.  So anything is possible.
With the limbs and taper in this branch it will be a,challenge.
No harm in just taking the limbs and bark off and see how it wants to bend.

[Roy from Pa]

Frosty I would never attempt a bow from that. Some may, not me.

[Frosty the Bowman]

Well my whole goal was just to shoot for the experience, debarking, rough shaping.

Beyond that it was all a bonus, never did, and still do not have any expectations that this will turn in to a usable bow.

This is just a hey "so now I have done that before" experience thing.

Thanks

[mwosborn]

That one is going to be a challenge.  If your looking just to "practice" cut out the longest section you can past that first larger branch.  Take the bark off, lay out a design and use yur draw knife to start working it down. Looks like it wil only be about 3 feet or so - but that will give you some feel for the procedure for when you get a good stave.

BTW looks like locust to me - or something similar.

[TimBoA]

I can appreciate wanting to practice on something; on the other hand, as Ted Williams said, "First, get a good pitch to hit".  Making a 3 foot bow would be great practice though.

[LittleBen]

Compared to a $6 board, I wouldn't waste my time. That limb looks like it got a ton of pin knots. I think it COULD make a bow but will take no less than 100hrs of meticulous work.

[Osagetree]

Ornamental Pair,,, Plumb?

I fear the only thing you'll learn from that branch is working the drawknife.

Although I've learned not to under estimate the abilities of my fellow man and Tradgang members!

You can practice getting to the heartwood and maybe even chasing the outer ring.

Sumac?

[John Scifres]

I once did a buildalong on a similar piece.  Called it "No Chance".  It broke     Guess I should have called it a breakalong.  Go for it.

[Frosty the Bowman]

John I love it    A Break-Along    

You and a few have been very supportive, and encouraging, Thank You!

To the rest, thank you for all your advice and suggestions as well.

When time permits I will peel this thing and rough it out, then sheelac it and let dry for a month or so.

So I will update when I get it peeled and have new pics to share.

Thanks again