Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Elktracker on July 30, 2010, 02:31:23 pm

Title: Ocean spray
Post by: Elktracker on July 30, 2010, 02:31:23 pm
I harvested about 30 ocean spray limbs that are from 3 inches thick to a 1 1/4 and all about 5 to 7 feet, I was wondering how long it usually takes to season and dry them with the bark on? They are stored in a dry basement on a drying rack, i was also wondering how many pound bow you can get out of what diameter limb roughly? Any other info comments tips ect would be much appretiated thanks
Title: Re: Ocean spray
Post by: Elktracker on July 30, 2010, 07:06:30 pm
Anybody have anything to say about this? ttt thanks
Title: Re: Ocean spray
Post by: 0209 on July 30, 2010, 07:39:34 pm
I've never heard of the wood to be honest with you.  Have you used it before and if so what were the results?  Sounds like you got quite the harvest if the wood is good.  Have a good one.
-Ian
Title: Re: Ocean spray
Post by: Jesse on July 30, 2010, 08:17:16 pm
Personally I have never used it but I have seen nice bows posted on here made from it.
Title: Re: Ocean spray
Post by: elk country rp on July 30, 2010, 08:38:27 pm
John Strunk told me to let it sit for at least a few months with the bark on before i tried to do anything with it. i guess it checks quite easily. i have a piece somewhere from last summer that i forgot about- d'oh!- wonder if it's dry yet.....
Title: Re: Ocean spray
Post by: lowell on July 30, 2010, 08:42:00 pm
I thought I read that in general...staves will dry about an inch a year.  So a 3 inch piece of wood may take a year and a half to dry properly.
Title: Re: Ocean spray
Post by: aaron on July 30, 2010, 10:12:52 pm
i have seen an ocean spray bow from  two 2 inch dia billets  which pulls about 50 pounds. It's an wesome wood- resembling oak in some ways (it has ray wood) . you probly want to seal the ends if you havent already. If it were me, I'd take one and bring it to floor tiller, then see if it tolerates drying without warp or check. if you can dry it this way, it may be ready in a few months, otherwise with bark and sealed ends it would take at least a year. If you got a bunch of staves, you may as well experiment. I would love to try this wood, but have never found it big enough in my area. it is excelent for darts. i'm guessing you're on the central oregon coast?
good luck!
Title: Re: Ocean spray
Post by: Elktracker on July 30, 2010, 11:29:55 pm
Yes im about 10 min out of Tillamook, I was inspired when i shot some of John Strunks Oceanspray bows, He also lives in Tillamook and i have done some work with him but i dont like to bug him with every ? I have so i like to get other poeples opinions too. I have seen one he did about 1 1/4  around and it drew 58# at 28" i was impressed, and it just so happened i found a ton of old growth Oceanspray on the hill behind my house, I looked at about 100 different paches just to get the 30 nice staves, and some really big stuff that would impress most poeple who have searched for Oceanspray. Thanks so far for all your info everyone and keep it comeing thanks
Title: Re: Ocean spray
Post by: aaron on July 31, 2010, 12:59:37 am
would you be interested in trading a few of them staves for some obsidian  and or knapping lessons? I'm an hour and a half north in ilwaco...
Title: Re: Ocean spray
Post by: brian melton on July 31, 2010, 01:32:45 am
6 months minimum seal the ends and keep in a stable enviroment it will check very easily.
Title: Re: Ocean spray
Post by: Elktracker on July 31, 2010, 01:39:06 am
Aron i sent you a PM can you show me any of your work? E mail me we will talk some more Mandoman1540@hotmail.com
Title: Re: Ocean spray
Post by: Elktracker on July 31, 2010, 01:42:46 am
Brian melton in regards to your info to me i have a question, I left all of the staves extra long, and or cut them on the other end of a fork so to watch out for checking. Do i still need to seal the ends if so what is a easy product for doing this? Thanks
Title: Re: Ocean spray
Post by: Gordon on July 31, 2010, 03:18:06 am
Seal both ends because once a check begins, it can travel a long way.
Title: Re: Ocean spray
Post by: Elktracker on July 31, 2010, 08:45:50 pm
What to seal with thanks
Title: Re: Ocean spray
Post by: Gordon on July 31, 2010, 11:44:49 pm
I use TB3 glue. Latex paint works well also.
Title: Re: Ocean spray
Post by: aaron on August 02, 2010, 01:04:05 pm
elktracker: pictures for you:

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Title: Re: Ocean spray
Post by: Elktracker on August 02, 2010, 01:15:36 pm
Nice!!!! i sent you a pm