Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: youngbowyer on December 22, 2010, 09:16:55 pm

Title: seasoning eastern red cedar
Post by: youngbowyer on December 22, 2010, 09:16:55 pm
Hi,

I recently cut down an eastern red cedar and it about 4 inches thick. It's too small to split i think so how can i season this properly.
Should i just axe it down till its about 2 inches thick or will it then warp? Any advice?

Thanks,Tom.
Title: Re: seasoning eastern red cedar
Post by: sweeney3 on December 22, 2010, 09:49:13 pm
I'm still working on my ERC, but I didn't have any trouble with it warping.  Lots of other obnox, sure, but not warping.  I roughed it out and then let it dry inside a while.  If you are worried, leave it somewhere between "pretty wide" and "full width" to help keep it from warping.  I'm sure some of these guys who have turned out really pretty ERC bows will chime in shortly.
Title: Re: seasoning eastern red cedar
Post by: beetlebailey1977 on December 22, 2010, 10:21:52 pm
The staves I have split I let dry for 3 years...more than enough time.  I would say to rough it in some and let dry some then rough in more.  Give it time to dry and if you do bring inside watch out for the sap that it will bleed.  It is very sticky stuff.  I am still working on a stave I have.  Seems like quite a few folks on here are trying this ERC will be neat to see how they turn out.