Question about Osage

[bowman_137]

I just found a nice straight Osage orange tree, or bois'd arc, as we call them. Do I need to split it into staves now, while its still green, or wait till it seasons? Also what do i need to seal the ends with to keep it from splitting?

[burchett.donald]

   Splitting it now would help it dry much quicker, a log could take years to season enough to make a bow. After splitting and removing the bark be sure and seal the ends and back with shellac.

[Pat B]

If you cut the tree split the log in half and store it off the ground in a sheltered place. In about a month split out your staves.   Seal the ends of the log with thinned carpenters glue(TB or Elmer's) or wax, shellac or paint.

[PEARL DRUMS]

After splitting logs that sat around for 6 months, I doubt I will split much green osage again. I have six gorgeous logs in my driveway right now. The ends are super sealed and thats it. I will split them this spring/late winter. I was amazed how much less interlocking grain I fought compared to fresh green logs. Plus after 8 big logs Im tired of splitting for a bit!

[bowman_137]

How long does it take for one to season properly? Ive heard about 2 years but I'm not sure. I hope it don't take quite that long because I'll be in Afghanistan by then

[PEARL DRUMS]

There are a million variables. Most split staves need no less than a year to dry up decently. A whole log will take a decade or so. If your itching to build a bow then you can take one of your splits and rough a bow out, let it sit for 2-3 months under your bed and finish it then. It wont be "seasoned", but it will be mostly dry.

[Buckeye Guy]

Where are you located at ?
If your going off to war we gotta get it in hi gear!
Maybe someone close to you has a steamer and a form they can get it on ,then into the hot box for a couple of weeks!
Thanks for your service!!
Guy

[johnston]

bowman if you are going to war I'll send you a stave. Don't have that yeller stuff
but do have hickory.

Lane

[bowman_137]

I live in southern Oklahoma and have been a Navy Seabee for just over 4 years now. I would appreciate any help i can get and if there are any bowyers in my area i would like to get in contact with them.

[gstoneberg]

You should have some good osage in your area.  How far are you from Dallas?  If in driving distance I'd be happy to help you get a piece of osage bending before you go.  My staves are crooked for sure, but we can make a bow turn out as straight as you want.  Today's my last day working for the year.  I will do some deer hunting, but there'd be several days I could work with you if you're close enough.  Be happy to show you how I split osage too, there's lots in my driveway, and would send you home a stave or 2 for when you get back. 

There are some bowyers in Oklahoma, Indianguy does gorgeous short native american bows.

One more thing.  Check in your area for old osage fence posts.  If you can find a straight one with minimal bug damage you'll have the most seasoned bow wood there is.

George

[bowman_137]

I'm about 2 hours from Dallas. I'm in the Ardmore area. maybe we can get together on a day and make the trip.

[Postman]

If you have a woodstove it can speed up drying, but too fast might cause checks. you might also be able to find a sawmill with osage - my buddy in OK said he saw osage fenceposts at one. Good luck and thanks for your service!

[JonW]

If you are still around during March 22-25 go on up to Stillwater for OJAM. There will be more Osage bows there than you shake a stick at.

[bowman_137]

REALY? i didn't know Stillwater had anything like that i will definitely look into it