I hadn't intended on cutting any prospective wood until after the leaves had dropped but I was out brushing a 60 year old fence line that we're replacing and stopped the Cat to look at a nice little bird's nest in the hazelnut next to the cab. I knew there was a bunch of Saskatoon (Western Serviceberry) in the bush but figured I'd eyed out some really nice stuff about 1/4 mile away so wasn't worried too much about the bit of bush I was in.
Anyway, I looked forward and a nice straight looking Saskatoon was about 2' in front of the blade. I figured I may as well cut it down and save it or it'd just end up in the brush pile.
The bit I cut is 73" long and 1-1/2" in diameter at the mid point, 1-1/4" at the top and 1-5/8" at the bottom. It's completely knot free for 52 inches from the bottom and the bark shows no sign of twist. Figured it might be a worthwhile piece of wood to experiment with.
As I've got it, how should I season it? Bark on or off? Seal/wrap the ends or not? I've read that Serviceberry dries quickly without checking but others have had problems.
I'm in no hurry and I'll probably just bind it to a steel tube I've got in the shop to keep it straight as it dries and seasons a bit. I don't have time to work it right now anyway but don't want to waste it.
Here are a couple of photos. Any ideas on what I should do with it are welcome. I even have a spade that needs a new handle and this stuff is easily the equal of Ash for that type of work. That being said, if it's capable of helping me learn to make a bow, then that's the direction I'll go.
